Genotype -Phenotype Correlation of PKLR Variants With Pyruvate Kinase, 2,3-Diphosphglycerate and Adenosine Triphosphate Activities in Red Blood Cells of People With Sickle Cell Disease

Background: Some people with the same disorder on a genetic level have more complications than others. Researchers want to look for a link between the PKLR gene and sickle cell disease (SCD) symptoms. The PKLR gene helps create a protein, called pyruvate kinase that is essential in normal functioning of the red blood cell. Differences in the PKLR gene, called genetic variants, may cause some changes in the pyruvate kinase protein and other proteins, that can affect functioning of the red blood cell adding to the effect of SCD. Researchers can study these differences by looking at DNA (the material that determines inherited characteristics). Objective: To study how the PKLR gene affects sickle cell disease. Eligibility: Adults ages 18-80 of African descent. They may have sickle cell disease or not. They must not have had a transfusion recently or have a known deficiency of pyruvate k