Molecular background of VS and weak C expression in blacks

Abstract

It is therefore postulated that the hybrid gene is responsible for the weak expression of C in these individuals. The hybrid gene carried a Leu62Phe substitution, as well as the Leu245Val substitution responsible for VS. The gene most probably cosegregates with a C allele encoding Cys 16 (normally encoded only by the C allele) and Val245 (responsible for VS antigenicity when encoded by the RHCE gene). This explains the combination of weak expression of C and VS positivity that is frequently found in blacks.