Defining Blood Group Gene Reference Alleles by Long-Read Sequencing: Proof of Concept in the <b><i>ACKR1</i></b> Gene Encoding the Duffy Antigens

In the novel era of blood group genomics, (re-)defining reference gene/allele sequences of blood group genes has become an important goal to achieve, both for diagnostic and research purposes. As novel potent sequencing technologies are available, we thought to investigate the variability encountered in the three most common alleles of ACKR1 , the gene encoding the clinically relevant Duffy antigens, at the haplotype level by a long-read sequencing approach.