[Sequence analysis for a case with Para-Bombay AB blood type].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular basis for a rare case with Para-Bombay AB blood type. METHODS: Serological method was used to determine the blood type of the proband. Exons 6 and 7 of the ABO gene and the coding regions of FUT1 and FUT2 genes were analyzed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: Serological results showed that the proband was a Para-Bombay AB subtype. His genotype was determined as ABO*A1.02/B.01. The proband was also found to harbor c.551-552delAG and c.881-882delTT of the FUT1 gene. For his four children, there were three type B and one type A, though the expression of the H type was normal. CONCLUSION: The double deletions in the coding region of the FUT1 gene probably underlay the Para-Bombay blood type in the proband. Carrier of single-strand deletions may have a normal ABO phenotype.

miR-326 targets antiapoptotic Bcl-xL and mediates apoptosis in human platelets.

Platelets play crucial roles in hemostasis, thrombosis, wound healing, inflammation, angiogenesis, and tumor metastases. Because they are anucleated blood cells, platelets lack nuclear DNA, but they do contain mitochondrial DNA, which plays a key role in regulating apoptosis. Recent evidence has suggested that miRNAs are also involved in regulating gene expression and apoptosis in platelets. Our previous study showed that the expression of miR-326 increased visibly when apheresis platelets were stored in vitro. The antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family regulator Bcl-xL has been identified as a putative target of miR-326. In the present study, dual reporter luciferase assays were used to characterize the function of miR-326 in the regulation of the apoptosis of platelet cells. These assays demonstrated that miR-326 bound to the 3'-translated region of Bcl-xL. To directly assess the functional effects of miR-326 expression, levels of Bcl-xL and the apoptotic status of stored apheresis platelets were measured after transfection of miR-326 mimic or inhibitor. Results indicated that miR-326 inhibited Bcl-xL expression and induced apoptosis in stored platelets. Additionally, miR-326 inhibited Bcl-2 protein expression and enhanced Bak expression, possibly through an indirect mechanism, though there was no effect on the expression of Bax. The effect of miR-326 appeared to be limited to apoptosis, with no significant effect on platelet activation. These results provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms affecting differential platelet gene regulation, which may increase understanding of the role of platelet apoptosis in multiple diseases.