HBB
Hemoglobin Subunit Beta
What it does
Mutations cause sickle cell disease (HbS), HbC, beta-thalassemia. Pharmacogenomic relevance: hydroxyurea response in SCD depends on HBB and modifier genes.
Why this matters for Black patients
HBB sickle and HbC variants are concentrated in African ancestry. Sickle cell disease and trait change drug-dosing decisions across anesthesia, anticoagulation, oxygen therapy, and other domains.
Common variants
| Variant | Phenotype | African | European |
|---|---|---|---|
| HbC | Hemoglobin C | 0.020 | 0.000 |
| HbS | Sickle hemoglobin | 0.070 | 0.000 |
Note: This page is reference information, not medical advice. Pharmacogenomic differences are about ancestry, not race; race is an imperfect proxy. Discuss any medication changes with your prescriber.