Rh-associated glycoprotein (RHAG)

Rh-associated glycoprotein (RHAG) is an ammonia transporter protein encoded by the RHAG gene and primarily expressed in human erythrocytes[1][3]. It is a component of the multisubunit Rh antigen complex, which includes RHAG, Rh30 (D/CE) polypeptides, CD47, LW, and glycophorin B[1][4]. RHAG facilitates the movement of ammonia (NH₃) and methylamine across the red blood cell membrane and may also act as a gas channel for CO₂ and possibly O₂ and nitric oxide[2][3]. It is structurally homologous to ammonium transporter families found in bacteria and yeast. RHAG is essential for proper presentation of the Rh blood group antigens on the cell surface; mutations can result in hereditary stomatocytosis and other blood cell membrane disorders[1][4]. It is referenced as CD241 in immunophenotyping applications and is a member of the solute carrier family under the gene name SLC42A1[1]. No approved drugs are known to directly target RHAG, but its dysfunction has clinical implications in hematology and transfusion medicine.

Other names

Ammonium transporter Rh type ARHAGRH50CD241Rh50ARh family type A glycoproteinRh type A glycoproteinSLC42A1Erythrocyte membrane glycoprotein Rh50Erythrocyte plasma membrane 50 kDa glycoproteinRhesus blood group family type A glycoproteinRhesus blood group-associated ammonia channelRhesus blood group-associated glycoproteinOHSTRH2RHNRRh50GP50-KDRhesus associated polypeptide