Since the Rh proteins reside exclusively on red blood cells and cross the membrane numerous times, RhD, RhCE, and RHAG proteins make up a critical part of the membrane's integrity. Deletion or alteration of these proteins can lead to structural defects of the red cell membrane, causing decreased survival in circulation. It has also been shown by Westhoff and colleagues that these proteins may have a functional role in the transport of ammonia.
