Many genetic polymorphisms related to malaria are relevant for red blood cell (RBC) biology, like variants of the ATP2B4 gene, a plasma membrane calcium transporter contributing to resistance against severe malaria (19), or variants of the FREM3 gene and a cluster of three glycophorin genes (GYPE, GYPB and GYPA) associated with 33% protection against severe malaria (20). The gene discussed is GYPB; the disease is malaria.