French scientists have discovered the world’s newest and rarest blood group during what started as a routine blood test. The only known person with this blood type is a woman from Guadeloupe, whose blood was so unique that doctors couldn’t find a single compatible donor even among her siblings.
The new blood group, now officially recognized as the 48th and named “Gwada-negative,” was found after her blood reacted against every sample tested.
To understand why, researchers used whole exome sequencing, a technique that studies all human genes. They found a mutation in the PIGZ gene, which normally helps add a certain sugar to a molecule on red blood cells. Without this sugar, the cell surface changes, creating a new antigen a marker that defines blood groups. This led to the discovery of two new types: Gwada positive and Gwada negative.
To confirm their findings, the scientists used gene editing technology to recreate the mutation in the lab. They discovered that red blood cells from all tested donors are Gwada positive, while the woman from Guadeloupe remains the only known person in the world with Gwada negative blood.
So, this mutation within the PIGZ gene ends up in a completely distinctive blood marker? Genetics is on an additional level!
But just imagine one is in need of a blood transfusion and literally no one on the planet is a match. The risks linked to blood donation have only increased.
What an incredible discovery, identifying the rare Gwada-negative blood group not only highlights the uniqueness of human genetics but also opens new doors for research and medical understanding!
That’s incredible! Imagine being the only person in the world with such a unique blood type, science never stops surprising us. It really makes you wonder how many more hidden mysteries our bodies still hold, doesn’t it?