Two New Blood Types Found?

Blood bath salts in Japan. Photograph: kenleewrites

Humans have various blood types, which have various classes. There are 30 known major blood group systems which help classify a person’s blood type, and each one is defined by the presence or absence of a certain glycoprotein, glycolipid, protein, carbohydrate, or other such molecules in the blood.  All around the world, two of the most common blood group systems are ABO and Rhesus systems.

However, in February 2012, Ballif and his colleagues identified two more proteins on the red blood cells which are responsible for two more blood types.  Although their existence was known many years ago, the genetic basis hadn’t been known until now.  An international effort between Vermont, Paris and Hokkaido resulted in the identification of the two proteins: the protein ABCB6, which corresponds with the blood type Langereis, and the protein ABCG2, which corresponds with the blood type Junior.

Ballif says, “it’s pretty remarkable to have two [blood types] identified this year,” as the last one was discovered almost a decade ago.

Blood on finger. Photograph: Ollie Crafoord (flickr.com)

Very few people know if they are Langereis or Junior positive or negative, and even when it is known, obtaining blood of the same type is extremely difficult as there was a lack of reliable reagents to screen the blood.  With this discovery, there would be lesser complications and rejections in blood and organ transfusions, as it would be easier to identify which specific blood type a person needs and respond accordingly.  It has also been found that these proteins may be connected to treatment with anticancer drugs, which will help create more efficient treatments for certain types of cancer.

References:
1. Forbes
2. Nature Genetics – ABCB6
3. Nature Genetics – ABCG2
4. Science Daily
5. Wikipedia