Hb Fukutomi [α126(H9)Asp → Val]: A New Hemoglobin Vart with High Oxygen Affinity

Abstract

Hb Fukutomi [α l26(H9)Asp → Val], a new hemoglobin variant with a high affinity for oxygen (log P₅₀ = 0.201 at pH 7.0, normal = 1.087) was detected in a Japanese male during a screening survey. The amino acid substitution is located in the αlβl contact of the tetramic molecule. Like other variants of the high oxygen affinity type Hb Fukutomi showed increased resistance to auto-oxidation. The tryptic peptide αT-13, that usually forms part of the trypsin-resistant core of the a chain, was cleaved off by trypsin in the new variant and released into the soluble fraction.