AABB Foundation Alumni Identify Genetic Markers of Glycolysis

A team of investigators led by Angelo D’Alessandro, PhD, has uncovered new insights into how red blood cells function and survive during storage – findings that could lead to better outcomes for patients receiving blood transfusions. The findings were published July 3 in Cell Metabolism.

In the study, D’Alessandro, Travis Nemkov, PhD, and their co-investigators characterized blood from 13,000 donors to identify genetic and biological factors that regulate human glycolysis, the only source for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation in red blood cells. In RBCs, ATP regulates the capacity to bind and release oxygen and prevents them from hemolyzing. This is particularly important for stored RBCs, not just as they age in blood banks but also to ensure they survive in circulation after transfusion.

The findings demonstrated that younger donors and those of Hispanic descent had higher levels of ATP in their stored blood. The research team also identified specific genetic markers that affect RBC glycolysis; the PFKP, HK1 and CD38/BST1 genes were linked to better storage outcomes and reduced cell breakdown. The study also suggests that ATP and hypoxanthine levels could serve as biomarkers for predicting the quality of stored RBCs and their performance after transfusion. Higher ATP levels were associated with lower hemolysis.

The Impact of the AABB Foundation

This research team involved an international group of experts that includes many previous recipients of AABB Foundation early-career scientific research grants: Michael P. Busch, MD, PhD (1992); Angelo D’Alessandro, PhD (2016); Eldad Hod, MD (2011); Krystalyn Hudson, PhD (2014); Steven L. Spitalnik, MD (2003); and James C. Zimring, MD, PhD (2004).

The AABB Foundation is current accepting applications for the Early-Career Scientific Research Grants Program’s 2025 cycle. An AABB Foundation grant is a milestone for many investigators beginning their careers in transfusion medicine and biotherapies, often validating their research scope as their career trajectory is just taking shape.

Applications will be accepted through Dec. 1. Foundation grant recipients each receive an award of up to $100,000 to further investigator-initiated, original research in blood banking, transfusion medicine or biotherapies. For more information about the AABB Foundation grant eligibility criteria and application process, visit the Early-Career Scientific Research Grants Program web page.