Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein found in all red blood cells (RBCs) for proper binding of oxygen and transport throughout the body, included in blood transfusions in severe hemorrhage. It consists primarily of globin and heme.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
A heme group is made up of iron (Fe) ion (charged atom) located in a heterocyclic ring, which is also called a porphyrin ring. The site of oxygen binding, the iron ion, binds with the nitrogens located in the center of the porphyrin ring. The iron ion binds with high affinity to the globular protein through the imidazole ring of the F8 residue on histidine which is found below the porphyrin ring. A sixth position can bind reversibly to oxygen, completing the formation of the octahedral group. One oxygen atom binds Fe and the other is found to protrude at an angle. When oxygen is not bound to Fe, a water molecule (weakly bound) fills the site, producing a distorted shape, often described as an octahedron.
- Primary indication
- Investigated for use/treatment in blood (blood forming organ disorders, unspecified) and hemorrhage.Curator reviewed
- First approval
- Canada, 1951
- Also known as
- Deoxyhemoglobin · Haemoglobin · Human hemoglobin
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of July 09, 2026
Which companies are running trials of Hemoglobin, in which indications and phases, and which of those programs are still active?
Create a free account or log in to explore the full data card.
Create Account