Authors show that base editing can convert sickle hemoglobin (HbS) to the rare but naturally occurring variant G-Makassar (HbG). Purified HbG appears normal, but in a mouse model, HbGS red cells sickle under hypoxia, highlighting the importance of assessing red cell quality when evaluating novel gene editing strategies for hematologic disorders.
- Zachary Kostamo
- Manuel A. Ortega
- Vivien A. Sheehan
