Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables oxygen binding activity. Acts upstream of or within erythrocyte development; positive regulation of myeloid cell differentiation; and regulation of erythrocyte differentiation. Part of hemoglobin complex. Is expressed in several structures, including blood; blood vessel; brain; liver; and yolk sac. Used to study beta thalassemia. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in acute chest syndrome; hemolytic anemia (multiple); malaria; polycythemia (multiple); and sickle cell anemia. Orthologous to human HBB (hemoglobin subunit beta) and HBD (hemoglobin subunit delta).