Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables oxygen carrier activity. Acts upstream of or within erythrocyte development; oxygen transport; and regulation of eIF2 alpha phosphorylation by heme. Located in myelin sheath. Part of hemoglobin complex. Is expressed in several structures, including aorta-gonad-mesonephros; cardiovascular system; extraembryonic component; hemolymphoid system; and liver. 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).