Raman imaging and tweezers of red blood cells from patients affected by anemia S, C and C+S

Raman imaging visualizes without the need for labeling the molecular composition of sub-cellular compartments [1]. Resonance Raman spectroscopy elucidates the structural characteristics of heme domains in hemoproteins [2]. Optical Tweezers (OT) allows a rapid identification of single-cell mechanical properites [3]. Haemoglobinopathies are inherited disorders defined as qualitative or quantitative deficiency of haemoglobin (Hb) in red blood cells (RBCs). Herein we analyze anemic RBCs with two human Hb variants, HbS and HbC (Glu6Val and Glu6Lys, respectively). A comparative study in a family (mother, father and daughter, respectively heterozygous for HbS, HbC and Hb C+S) shows that different Raman images and mechanical properties of healthy and anemic RBCs could help to evaluate the expression ratios between HbS and HbC, and correlate these data with varied clinical conditions. 1. van Manen H.J., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 2005, 102, 10159. 2. Vitagliano L., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2008, 130, 10527. 3. De Luca A.C., et al., Opt. Exp. 2008, 16(11), 7943.