New beta0-thalassaemic insertion mutation (CD 7/8, +G) in a Slovak family, associated with the Mediterranean haplotype IX

The authors describe a newly identified beta0-thalassaemic mutation found in two subjects from two generations of a Slovak family. The beta0-thalassaemic allele developed by insertion of one nucleotide (+G, CD 7/8) into the first exon of the beta-globin gene. The mutation causes a shift of the open globin reading frame which leads to the development of a terminal codon in codon 22. The thalassaemic allele is associated with the mediterranean haplotype IX. The mutation has in both heterozygotes the phenotype of beta0-thalassaemia minor with a slightly elevated level of HbF.