• Shin, Jonghee
• Shin, Myunggeun
• Kim, Soohyun
• Kwon, Soyong
• Choi, Hyunwoo
• Lee, Jinsol
• Song, Jeongwon
• Jeon, Mijeong
• Cho, Duck
• Suh, Soonpal
• Ryang, Dongwook

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A allele, A(var), characterized by a 784G>A polymorphism (Asp262Asn) has been identified only in Korean A(weak)B donors. This study evaluated the serological and genetic characteristics of thirteen samples with newly identified A(var) allele. METHODS: This study examined 10 samples with the A(var) allele including 4 members from a family, who were randomly obtained from blood donors recruited at Gwangju-Chonnam Red Cross Blood Center, and patients at the Chonnam National University Hospital. Routine ABO serologic tests, ABO genotyping using an allele specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR), and the sequencing of exon 6 and 7 of ABO gene were performed on all samples. In addition, sequencing of exon 1~5 of the ABO gene was carried out on two randomly selected samples. RESULTS: The A(var) allele was identified in nine A(weak)B and one O (II-1 of the family study) sample. Eight of these nine individuals showed 1+ agglutination with the monoclonal anti-A reagents on forward typing but one sample showed no agglutination. Weak anti-A was detected in all sera. From the family study, the A(var) allele, which was transmitted from the propositus through her descendant (II-1, II-3 and III-1), produced either the weak A phenotype when inherited with a B allele or the O phenotype when inherited with an O allele. CONCLUSION: A(var) erythrocytes showed different agglutination patterns to anti-A. Different expressions (possible allelic enhancement) were observed depending on the co-inherited ABO alleles from samples with the A(var) allele.

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