Characterisation of a new α thalassemia 1 defect due to a partial deletion of the α globin gene complex

Abstract
A new deletion causing α thalassemia has been characterised in a Greek family. Detailed mapping of the α gene complex shows that the deletion extends for 5.2 kb and removes the whole of the α 2 gene and the 5′ end of the α 1 gene. The affected chromosome, therefore produces no normal α chains and results in a phenotype of α thalassemia 1.