00:00Decades-long mystery solved, scientists discover new MAL blood group.
00:07Beyond the well-known ABO system, over 43 blood group systems exist.
00:13A 1972 case of a woman lacking a common red cell molecule led to the discovery of a new group over 50 years later.
00:23In 2024, researchers from Israel and the UK discovered a new blood group, improving patient care.
00:30Blood group systems rely on cell surface markers crucial for safe transfusions, as mismatches can trigger severe or fatal reactions.
00:39While most blood groups were identified in the 20th century, rare ones like the AIR system followed.
00:45In 1972, a woman's blood lacked the NWJ antigen, found in 99.9% of people, leading to the discovery of the MAL blood group, linked to a myelin and lymphocyte protein.
01:00Some individuals have NWJ-negative blood due to MAL gene mutations, but others lack the antigen without these mutations, hinting at suppression.
01:11MAL's small, complex nature made identifying the new blood group system challenging, requiring extensive investigation.
01:18Researchers confirmed the MAL gene by inserting it into NWJ-negative cells, restoring the missing antigen.
01:27MAL supports membrane stability and cell transport, with NWJ appearing shortly after birth.
01:33Identifying MAL mutations now allows testing for inherited blood types or potential underlying conditions.
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