A glycophorin is a sialoglycoprotein of the membrane of a red blood cell.

Glycophorins are rich in sialic acid, which gives the red blood cells a very hydrophilic-charged coat.

This enables them to circulate without adhering to other cells or vessel walls.

A particular mutation in Glycophorins is thought to produce a 40% reduction in risk of severe malaria.

A fifth (glycophorin E) has been identified within the human genome but cannot easily be detected on routine gel staining.