Genetic Mystery of Rare AnWj Blood Type Unveiled by Researchers

A team of scientists from the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory (IBGRL) at NHSBT and the University of Bristol has identified the genetic origin of a rare blood type called AnWj. This antigen was first identified in 1972. Researchers were analyzing the blood of a pregnant woman when they noticed she lacked a surface molecule commonly found on people's red blood cells. Until now, the genetic origin of this blood peculiarity remained unclear. The study identified five individuals with the inherited form of this phenotype. Among them was an Arab-Israeli family, including the first pregnant patient discovered with this blood type. To solve the mystery, scientists used a novel whole-exome sequencing technique. This allowed them to analyze the protein-coding DNA. The existence of AnWj-negative individuals is linked to hematological disorders.