Flipping a gene switch reactivates fetal hemoglobin, may reverse sickle cell disease

Hematology researchers have manipulated key biological events in adult blood cells to produce a form of hemoglobin normally absent after the newborn period. Because fetal hemoglobin is unaffected by the genetic defect in sickle cell disease, these cell culture findings may open the door to a new therapy for the debilitating blood disorder.