Chinese scientists discover new human gene

Source: CCTV.com | 01-22-2007 10:20

Chinese scientists at the Tianjin Blood Center have discovered a new gene, one crucial in matching organ transplants.

The World Health Organization has named it HLA-B-9518 and publicized the discovery to the world. Liu Yang has today's tech update.

Human Leucocyte antigen, or HLA, is called the ID card of individuals, being the most complicated human genetic system.

It plays vital roles in organ transplants, and marrow transplants in particular. A well-matched donor is important to the success of a transplant. Doctors must make sure the gene on the same place of the patient and the donor is identical; otherwise, no matching can be successful and no marrow transplant can be done.

Chinese scientists started their researches on HLA alleles in the 1960s, but only a small number of HLA typings were done and the technique was not high. Remarkable progress has been made since 2000, and up to now 20-30 new genes have been found. This is the first time the Tianjin Blood Center has found a new allele.

Yan Lina, director HLA Lab Tianjin Blood Center, said, "As more and more HLA tests have been done in recent years, and with the improvement of equipment and other facilities, we have reached international level in terms of testing techniques. More alleles, as it is expected, will be found in the future."

Scientists worldwide have found, so far, over 2500 HLA alleles, which are widely used in organ transplant matching, paternity testing, human genetics and other fields.

Editor:Du Xiaodan