Using Whole Genome Sequencing to Characterize Clinically Significant Blood Groups Among Healthy Older Australians

Abstract

There have been no comprehensive studies of a full range of blood group polymorphisms within the Australian population. The problem is compounded by the absence of any databases carrying genomic information on chronically transfused patients and low frequency blood group antigens in Australia. Here, we use RBCeq, a web server-based blood group genotyping software, to identify unique blood group variants among Australians and compare the variation detected versus global data. Whole genome sequencing data was analysed from for 2796 healthy older Australians from the Medical Genome Reference Bank and compared with data from 1000G phase 3 (1KGP3) databases comprising 661 African, 347 American, 503 European, 504 East Asian, and 489 South Asian participants. There were 688 rare variants detected in this Australian sample population, including nine variants that had clinical associations. Notably, we identified 149 variants that were computationally predicted to be novel and deleterious. No clinically significant rare or novel variants were found associated with the genetically complex ABO blood group system. For the Rh blood group system one novel and 16 rare variants were found. Our detailed blood group profiling results provide a starting point for the creation of an Australian blood group variant database.

The genomic landscape of blood groups in Indigenous Australians in remote communities

“…It is well established that the prevalence of antigens can differ among populations, 6 potentially hindering efforts to maintain a safe and robust blood supply in multiethnic countries 7 . In an earlier study, we carried out extended blood group molecular typing to detect rare antigens in a large Australian Caucasian cohort 8 . Blood group antigen profiling for Western Desert Indigenous Australians is available 9 .…”

“…7 In an earlier study, we carried out extended blood group molecular typing to detect rare antigens in a large Australian Caucasian cohort. 8 Blood group antigen profiling for Western Desert Indigenous Australians is available. 9 However, the Tiwi Islanders are culturally distinct among these Australian Indigenous communities.…”