Globin Chain Electrophoresis: a New Approach to the Determination of the Gγ/Aγ Ratio in Fetal Haemoglobin and to Studies of Globin Synthesis

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Abstract
Separation of globin chains by electrophoresis provides a simple, rapid method for the determination of G.gamma./A.gamma. ratio in human fetal Hb and of biosynthetic rates of the globin chains. Whole hemolysates were analyzed by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels in urea, acetic acid and Triton X-100. Electrophoresis of hemolysates from newborn infants led to 4 bands: A.gamma., G.gamma., .beta. and .alpha.. The identity of these bands was indicated by examination of Hb of known globin chain composition. In 15 samples the % G.gamma. was similar by Triton gels and by amino acid analysis of the .gamma.CB-3 peptide. Some mutant globin chains were separable with the electrophoretic technique. Triton gel electrophoresis provides rapid analysis of very small amounts of Hb and permits examination of globin chain composition and globin synthetic ratios.