In β-thalassemia, decreased β-globin synthesis leads to red blood cell loss, iron overload and anemia. Using a mouse model of this disease, Huihui Li et al. now describe a new approach for treating β-thalassemia: injection of the iron transporter transferrin. This therapy had many beneficial effects, including reversing splenomegaly and raising red blood cell counts.
- Huihui Li
- Anne C Rybicki
- Yelena Z Ginzburg
