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Immunochemistry
The Immunochemistry Laboratory,which is part of the Lindsey F. Kimball Research Institute, performs research that is focused on the clinical practice of transfusion medicine. The aim of our research is to identify clinically-relevant blood group alleles, and in locating antigen-negative blood for transfusion recipients.
OBJECTIVES
The focus of research in the Laboratory of Immunochemistry is human blood group antigens with the aims of precisely matching donor units to transfusion recipients. We are also studying blood group genes as they relate to population genetics, and mechanisms that change the character of blood group antigen expression.
The knowledge of the molecular bases associated with many blood group antigens and phenotypes makes it possible to predict the blood type of people using DNA. The technology has tremendous clinical potential in such cases as the detection of a fetus at risk for hemolytic disease of the newborn and determination of the true blood type of a multiply transfused patient. We have developed practical approaches to perform DNA analysis for blood group polymorphisms using DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes, aminocytes, epithelial cells, and urine sediment. We are leaders in the field of DNA testing and our research translates to the practical use of our laboratory developed tests in the field of Immunohematology.
To determine frequency and diversity of RH alleles in African Americans, we are sequencing and studying the RHD and RHCE genes from African American donors and patients with Sickle Cell Disease. The data generated will be used to design microarrays to identify rare blood donors and precisely match them to alloimmunized patients.
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- We have identified new blood group antigens and their molecular basis in MNS, Rh, Kell, Dombrock, Diego, Cromer, and Scianna blood group systems.
- We have published four books:
- Denome GA, Rios M. Reid ME. Molecular Protocols in Transfusion Medicine, Academic Press, San Diego, 2000.
- Reid ME, Lomas-Francis C. Blood Group Antigens FactsBook, 3rd Edition: Academic Press, San Diego, 2012.
- Reid MR, Lomas-Francis C. Blood Group Antigens & Antibodies: A guide to Clinical Relevance & Technical Tips, Star Bright Books, New York, 2007
- Reid M, Shine I. The Discovery and Significance of the Blood Groups, SBB Books, Cambridge, MA, 2012.
Marion Reid, PhDMember, Lab Head
Kim Hue-Roye,
Manager, Molecular Analysis
Robert Ratner
Administrative Assistant
Zelinski T, Coghlan G, Xiao-Qing L, Reid ME. ABCG2 null alleles define the Jr(a-) blood group phenotype. Nat Genet 2012;44:131-2.
Molecular basis of the rare gene complex, DIV(C)-, which encodes four low prevalence antigens in the Rh blood group system. Vox Sang 2012;102:167-70.
Halter Hipsky C, Lomas-Francis C, Fuchisawa A, Reid ME, Moulds M, Christensen J, Nickle P, Vege S, Westhoff C. RHCE*ceCF encodes partial c and partial e but not CELO an antigen antithetical to Crawford. Transfusion 2011;51:25-31.
Hue-Roye K, Halter Hipsky C, Velliquette RW, Fuchisawa A, Lomas-Francis C, Hoppe C, Reid ME. A novel RHCE*ce 48C, 733G allele with nucleotide 941C in exon 7 encodes an altered red blood cell e antigen. Transfusion 2011;51:32-5.
Tarazona-Santos E, Castilho L, Amaral DR, Costa DC, Furlani NG, Zuccherato LW, Machado M, Reid ME, Zalis MG, Rossit AR, Santos SE, Machado RL, Lustigman S. Population genetics of GYPB and association study between GYPB*S/s polymorphism and susceptibility to P. falciparum infection in the Brazilian Amazon. PLoS One 2011;6:e16123.
