Scientists at NHS Blood and Transplant and the University of Bristol have identified the genetic basis of the AnWj blood antigen, solving a 50-year-old mystery. Researchers used whole exome sequencing to trace the marker, discovered in 1972, to homozygous deletions in the MAL gene, which produces the Mal protein on red blood cells. The discovery enables better identification of the exceptionally rare AnWj-negative individuals and could prevent dangerous transfusion reactions in patients who develop antibodies against the antigen.
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