Sex-linked erythrocyte antigens of the domestic pig

It has been demonstrated that the domestic pig has a blood group systems whose haplotypes (complex alleles) are formed by at least three closely linked loci that are located, like the MIC2 locus of human blood group systems, in the homologous region of sex chromosomes.     

The ABO, Lewis and related blood group antigens; a review of structure and biosynthesis

Abstract Numerous studies have shown that the antigenic determinants of the ABO blood group system are closely related in biochemical terms to the antigenic determinants of the Hh, P, Lewis and Ii blood group systems. The blood group antigens of each of these systems are formed by the addition of specific sugars to an oligosaccharide precursor chain which may be bound through sphingosine to fatty acids (glycolipid) or through serine or threonine to a peptide chain (glycoproteins). The direct gene products of each of these blood group systems are the glycosyltransferase enzymes which catalyse the addition of the specific sugar thus conferring the specified blood group activity to the glycolipid or glycoprotein molecule. The antigenic determinants of the ABO and Lewis systems in addition to red cells also exist in the body secretions in soluble form when the relevant genes are expressed in the phenotype. The antigens expressed on both the red cells and in the secretions are determined by the interaction of Hh, Sese, ABO and Lele genes.     

The ABO, Lewis and related blood group antigens; a review of structure and biosynthesis

Numerous studies have shown that the antigenic determinants of the ABO blood group system are closely related in biochemical terms to the antigenic determinants of the Hh, P, Lewis and Ii blood group systems. The blood group antigens of each of these systems are formed by the addition of specific sugars to an oligosaccharide precursor chain which may be bound through sphingosine to fatty acids (glycolipid) or through serine or threonine to a peptide chain (glycoproteins). The direct gene products of each of these blood group systems are the glycosyltransferase enzymes which catalyse the addition of the specific sugar thus conferring the specified blood group activity to the glycolipid or glycoprotein molecule. The antigenic determinants of the ABO and Lewis systems in addition to red cells also exist in the body secretions in soluble form when the relevant genes are expressed in the phenotype. The antigens expressed on both the red cells and in the secretions are determined by the interaction of Hh, Sese, ABO and Lele genes.     

Monoclonal antibodies to bovine blood group antigens

Hybridomas were made by fusing mouse myeloma cells with spleen cells from mice immunized with bovine red cells. Sixteen cloned lines which secreted haemolytic monoclonal antibodies reacting with antigens in the A, B, F, Z and S blood group systems were established; one of the antibodies identified a new factor in the B system. Extensive tests on red cells from 1000 animals indicated that several of the antibodies are suitable for use in routine blood typing; others are of potential use for genetic studies of the bovine blood group systems.     

Three new blood groups of rhesus monkeys

Three new blood group systems, called “T,” “U,” and “V,” have been identified in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). Each system consists of a single antigenic factor (blood group) detected by a monospecific alloimmune reagent that agglutinates erythrocytes. The antisera that detect these blood groups were obtained following a series of alloimmunizations and absorption fractionizations of the resulting antisera to produce operationally monospecific typing reagents. Analyses of family data indicated that each blood group was controlled by an autosomal dominant gene and that each system was independent of previously defined systems. With the addition of these new blood groups, we can identify 16 different blood group systems and well over one hundred million possible phenotypes in this species.     

The molecular genetics of blood group polymorphism

Over 300 blood group specificities on red cells have been identified, many of which are polymorphic. The molecular mechanisms responsible for these polymorphisms are diverse, though many simply represent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Other mechanisms include the following: gene deletion; single nucleotide deletion and sequence duplication, which introduce reading-frame shifts; nonsense mutation; intergenic recombination between closely linked genes, giving rise to hybrid genes and hybrid proteins; and a SNP in the promoter region of a blood group gene. Examples of these various genetic mechanisms are taken from the ABO, Rh, Kell, and Duffy blood group systems. Null phenotypes, in which no antigens of a blood group system are expressed, are not generally polymorphic, but provide good examples of the effect of inactivating mutations on blood group expression. As natural human ‘knock-outs’, null phenotypes provide useful clues to the functions of blood group antigens. Knowledge of the molecular backgrounds of blood group polymorphisms provides a means to predict blood group phenotypes from genomic DNA. This has two main applications in transfusion medicine: determination of foetal blood groups to assess whether the foetus is at risk from haemolytic disease and ascertainment of blood group phenotypes in multiply transfused, transfusion-dependent patients, where serological tests are precluded by the presence of donor red cells. Other applications are being developed for the future.     

Population genetic study of Russian cosmonauts and test subjects: genetic demographic parameters and immunogenetic markers

Genetic demographic characteristics and immunogenetic markers (blood groups ABO, Rhesus, MNSs, P, Duffy, Kidd, and Kell) have been studied in a group of 132 Russian cosmonauts and test subjects (CTSG). Analysis of pedigrees has shown a high exogamy in the preceding generations: almost half of the subjects have mixed ethnic background. According to the results of genetic demographic analysis, a sample from the Moscow population was used as control group (CG). Comparison between the CTSG and CG has demonstrated significant differences in genotype frequencies for several blood group systems. The CTSG is characterized by a decreased proportion of rare interlocus genotypic combinations and an increased man heterozygosity. Analysis of the distributions of individual heterozygosity for loci with codominant expression of alleles has shown that highly heterozygous loci are more frequent in the CTSG. Taking into account that the CTSG has been thoroughly selected from the general population, it is concluded that heterozygosity is related to successful adaptation to a space flight.     

Regulation of expression of carbohydrate blood group antigens

The carbohydrate antigens associated with the human ABO and Lewis blood group systems are excellent models for the study of the genetic regulation of glycoconjugate biosynthesis because their expression on erythrocytes and in saliva has been thoroughly investigated in terms of classical genetics and the chemical structures and pathways for the formation of the antigens are now well understood. The primary protein products of the blood group genes are believed to be the glycosyltransferase enzymes that complete the biosynthesis of the determinants. The important controlling factors still to be elucidated are the genetic and environmental influences leading to the tissue specific expression of these antigens. The 3 types of regulation mechanisms discussed in this review are those arising: 1) from the specificity requirements of the glycosyltransferases encoded by the blood group genes; 2) from the competition or co-operation of glycosyltransferases encoded by genes at the same or independent loci; and 3) from the existence and tissue distribution of glycosyltransferases with related, but not identical, substrate specificities.     

Canine blood groups. 1. Description of new erythrocyte specificities

Methods of production and characterization of immune typing reagents reactive with the erythrocytes of the dog are described. Five of the reagents (agglutinins) were reactive with previously unknown blood group factors and were shown by statistical and genetic tests on 222 random samples and 28 families to belong to 5 previously unrecognized blood group systems. The five new systems were one-blood factor, two-allele, three-genotype systems like the B, C, D and F systems. These were arbitrarily named J, K, L, M-and N.     

Immunogenetic studies of rhesus monkeys

Five alloimmune rhesus monkey blood typing reagents have been produced which define two new blood group loci inMacaca mulatto. Three of these reagents detect blood group factors at theM locus; the other two detect factors at theN locus. By typing over 1900 pedigreed monkeys we have established that these two loci are independent of each other and of any of our previously defined blood group systems.     

Population genetic study of Russian cosmonauts and test subjects: Genetic demographic parameters and immunogenetic markers

Genetic demographic characteristics and immunogenetic markers (blood groups ABO, Rhesus, MNSs, P, Duffy, Kidd, and Kell) have been studied in a group of 132 Russian cosmonauts and test subjects (CTSG). Analysis of pedigrees has shown a high exogamy in the preceding generations: almost half of the subjects have mixed ethnic background. According to the results of genetic demographic analysis, a sample from the Moscow population was used as control group (CG). Comparison between the CTSG and CG has demonstrated significant differences in genotype frequencies for several blood group systems. The CTSG is characterized by a decreased proportion of rare interlocus genotypic combinations and an increased average heterozygosity. Analysis of the distributions of individual heterozygosity for loci with codominant expression of alleles has shown that the carriers of highly heterozygous genotypes are more frequent in the CTSG. Taking into account that the CTSG has been thoroughly selected from the general population, it is concluded that heterozygosity is related to successful adaptation to a space flight.     

Overview of the diversity of erythrocyte blood group antigens

During the differentiation and maturation of erythrocytes, the surface molecules of erythrocytes are gradually expressed and stabilized. These molecules are to be antigenic in addition to their functions of maintaining cell membrane structural stability, material transport and exchange of cells and signal transmission between cells. The antigenic molecules on the erythrocyte surface are called erythrocyte blood group antigens. The blood group antigens and their corresponding blood group antibodies in vivo are important indicators for clinical blood transfusion and organ transplantation, and also form the basis for research on blood group related diseases. Three hundred and sixty-eight erythrocyte blood group antigens have been confirmed so far, which are classified into 39 blood group systems, 5 blood group collections and 2 blood group series. Based on the diversity of blood group antigens and their composition of glycolipids, glycoproteins and other molecules, this study mainly reviews the classification, molecular structure, antibody response and gene regulation of blood group antigens, and explains the main reasons for the diversity of blood group antigens.     

A statistical appraisal on the relationship between non-ABO blood group systems and diseases

The present review was visualised as a search for relationship between non-ABO blood group systems including the AB(H) secretor types and susceptibility to representative group of diseases associated with various systems of the body. The materials were collected from all publications available to us during 1950–1967. For statistical evaluation, the method of Woolf (1955) was followed. It becomes evident from the various reports that many of the authors were aware of the possible biases, and did their best to avoid them. Three degrees of probabilities have been considered.The possible association of certain diseases to particular blood groups or types has been discussed. It is the main purpose of this review to show, where there are possible relationships, and to encourage further investigations in the same direction.Direktor: Prof. Dr. F. Vogel     

The diego blood groups: A genetic linkage analysis

Data are presented which show that the Diego blood groups are not part of the Dombrock or Yt blood group systems and that the locus controlling Di is not closely linked to the loci controlling ABO, Fy, Jk, Kell, MNSs, Rh, Gm, Inv, AcP,ADA, PGD, and UMPK.     

Genetic relationships between Amerindian populations of Argentina

A total of 495 individuals from five different Argentinian tribes was examined for variation in 23 blood group and protein genetic systems, and the results were integrated with previous data on some of these systems. These tribes generally present RH * R1, PGM1 * 1, and ACP * A frequencies lower and RH * R2, ESD * 1, and GLO * 1 prevalences higher than those observed in other South American Indian groups. Earlier studies with mitochondrial DNA showed that haplogroup A was present in low frequencies in these tribes, but haplogroup B showed a high prevalence among the Mataco. Average heterozygosities are very similar in the five tribes, while estimates of non-Indian ancestry are generally low. Both the blood group and protein, as well as the mtDNA data sets, divide the five tribes into two groups, and the relationships obtained with the blood group and protein systems are exactly those expected on the basis of geography and language. However, the topology obtained with the mtDNA results was different, possibly due to sampling effects or diverse patterns of exchange between the groups related to sex.     

Theoretical exclusion percentages obtainable by blood grouping of pigs

On the basis of the frequency of blood group alleles in Danish Landrace pigs, the theoretical probability of excluding incorrectly alleged paternity and parentage by means of the various blood group systems are calculated. The probability of excluding incorrect paternity of 1 and 4 pigs, will be 85 and 97%, respectively. In 96% of the cases, the parentage of an accidentally interchanged pig can be excluded.
A study of the progeny groups actually excluded during the period 1960-1968, showed good agreement between the observed and theoretically expected frequencies of exclusions in the various blood group systems, except for the G-system.     

Red cell antigen,serum protein,and red cell enzyme polymorphisms in inhabitants of the Jimi Valley,Western Highlands,New Guinea

Summary A series of blood samples from four villages in the Jimi Valley, Western New Guinea Highlands, has been tested for genetic variation in blood group, serum protein, and red cell enzyme systems. Polymorphic variation was present for the ABO, MNS, P, and Rh blood group systems, for the Hp and Tf serum protein systems, and for the acid phosphatase, 6-PGD, PGM, MDH, and ADA enzyme systems. One each of the following variants was detected: Ge(a-), G6PD deficient, AK2-1 and PHI 7-1 or 8-1. All samples tested were C^w-, K-, Kp(a-), Wr(a-), Fy)a+b-), Rd-, and LDH normal.Genetic distance analysis places the Jimi Valley populations closer to peoples of the Chimbu-Chuave and Wahgi-Hagen areas than to the Maring people of the Simbai Valley to the north.     

Association of the M blood group system with bovine mastitis

Associations of the 11 bovine blood group systems with mastitis were examined in Red Danish dairy cattle. The mastitis status was followed during three lactational periods. A significant effect of the M blood group system on mastitis incidence was observed in the first and second lactation periods and a lower frequency of mastitis is found among animals lacking the M' factor as compared to those having the M' blood group factor. The significance of these results are discussed in view of the close relation between the M blood group system and the bovine lymphocyte antigens (BoLA), and the expected effect of eliminating the M' gene from the breed is estimated. Among the remaining 10 blood group systems, the T' system was the only system showing an overall effect on mastitis, and only in first and third lactation. However, the T' system was inconsistent with regard to the effect of the T' gene on the various mastitis diagnoses.     

Chimpanzee R-C-E-F blood group system: a counterpart of the human Rh-Hr blood groups

A chimpanzee blood group system is defined by a set of isoimmune antisera, anti-Rc, anti-Cc, anti-Ec, anti-Fc, anti-Cc and anti-Cc1, that distinguish 19 blood types. Population analysis of 285 unrelated animals and the study of 21 chimpanzee families support the postulated model of inheritance by 9 allelic genes. There is a close relationship between the R-C-E-F blood group system and human Rh-Hr blood groups as indicated by overall structural resemblance of both systems and by serological similarity of their principal antigens, Rc and Rho. There are indications that R-like structures are also present on the red cells of other anthropoid apes, and possibly on those of the Old World monkeys.     

Association of the M blood group system with bovine mastitis*

Associations of the 11 bovine blood group systems with mastitis were examined in Red Danish dairy cattle. The mastitis status was followed during three lactational periods. A significant effect of the M blood group system on mastitis incidence was observed in the first and second lactation periods and a lower frequency of mastitis is found among animals lacking the M' factor as compared to those having the M' blood group factor. The significance of these results are discussed in view of the close relation between the M blood group system and the bovine lymphocyte antigens (BoLA), and the expected effect of eliminating the M' gene from the breed is estimated. Among the remaining 10 blood group systems, the T' system was the only system showing an overall effect on mastitis, and only in first and third lactation. However, the T' system was inconsistent with regard to the effect of the T' gene on the various mastitis diagnoses.