The Guardian - Scientists raise hope for sickle cell patients

Scientists have developed a technique using embryonic stem cells to treat the genetic abnormality that causes sickle cell anaemia.

Sickle cell anaemia is one of the most common genetic disorders worldwide and primarily affects people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Indian descent. More than 6,000 people in the UK are thought to have the disease.

It is caused by a genetic mutation producing abnormal haemoglobin, the molecule inside red blood cells which carries oxygen. While healthy red blood cells can bend and flex easily, the abnormal haemoglobin makes cells rigid and sickle-shaped and as a result they cannot squeeze through small blood vessels. This prevents oxygen from getting to where it is needed, causing severe pain and damage to organs such as the liver, kidney, lungs, heart and spleen. In extreme cases, sickle cell anaemia can lead to death.

Read more at: https://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2006/jan/10/medicineandhealth.research