In 1972, a routine blood test on a pregnant woman revealed a medical mystery that baffled scientists for five decades. The absence of a molecule in red blood cells, present in 99.9% of people, gave rise to a long investigation that finally culminated in the discovery of the MAL blood group, the 47th number identified so far.
This finding, according to Science Alertnot only expands the understanding of blood groups, but also improves transfusion safety and raises new questions about human biology.
The MAL blood group belongs to an extremely rare category. According to the International University of the Atlantic, Less than 0.01% of people lack the AnWj antigen, whose absence defines this blood type. This antigen, present in a protein called MAL, plays a crucial role in cellular stability and transport, underscoring its importance in health.
From a genetic mystery to a historic breakthrough
The discovery of the MAL group is the result of decades of work led by Louise Tilley, a hematologist at the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, and Tim Satchwell, a cell biologist at the University of the West of England.
According to Science Alertthe researchers managed to insert the MAL gene into AnWj-negative blood cells and confirmed that this protein was responsible for the missing antigen. Interestingly, the AnWj protein is not present in newborns as it develops shortly after birth.
According to National Geographic, Patients with this blood type face high risks during transfusionssince an immune reaction can cause serious complications, such as blood clots or kidney failure. Doctors can now perform genetic testing to identify this condition and adjust treatments accordingly.
Furthermore, this advance opens new lines of research into how genetic mutations can influence human biology. According to the American Cancer Society, genetic mutations are not always harmful; some allow unique adaptations that may offer clues about treating rare diseases.
The MAL group’s discovery points to how genetic mutations can have profound effects on our health. According to the American Cancer Society, Mutations are changes in DNA that can occur spontaneously or be inherited.
Although many are associated with diseases, others, such as the mutation that causes the MAL group, reveal unique aspects of human physiology that may be key to new medical treatments.
How knowledge of blood groups can save lives.
Knowing our blood type is not just a medical curiosity. According to Medline Plusthis information It is essential to ensure safe transfusions and transplantssince incompatibility can trigger life-threatening immune reactions.
During pregnancy, blood group testing can also prevent complications such as severe anemia in the newborn.
