Abstract
Hb Matera is a newly discovered, slow-moving, B chain variant observed in four members of an Italian family. the variant had a decreased stability in heat and isopropanol tests and numerous red cells contained inclusion bodies. Structural analysis revealed that methionine at position B55 was replaced by lysine. Hb Matera's instability is due to an interference in the al-Bl contact of the hemoglobin molecule.