This project represents phase II of a project whose main objective is to develop a non-invasive, safe, relatively inexpensive and accurate technique for the prenatal diagnosis of genetic disorders that can be performed during the first trimester. Phase II will test, expand and refine the methodology developed in phase I. The study will include a systematic evaluation of the variables involved in separating and enriching fetal cells from maternal blood through flow cytometry or other methods, including magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), followed by in situ hybridization with chromosome-specific DNA probes. The results of these peripheral blood studies will be compared to those that will be obtained from amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) on the same women. Another objective of the project is to determine whether or not there are any non-biological effects on the women undergoing prenatal diagnostic testing. Even if the biologic risks associated with reproductive genetic technologies are reduced, the possibility exists that other potential risks (or benefits) are associated with the procedures. Some of these factors may be: expanded or diminished maternal anxiety, increased adjustment or maladaptation to the pregnancy, increased feelings Of coercion to undertake prenatal testing when there are negligible biologic risks associated with the procedure, and increased or decreased comfort with reproductive decision-making.

Project Start
1994-03-15
Project End
2002-11-30
Budget Start
2000-09-29
Budget End
2001-11-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$1,342,310
Indirect Cost
Name
Tufts University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02111
Johnson, Kirby L; Stroh, Helene; Khosrotehrani, Kiarash et al. (2007) Spot counting to locate fetal cells in maternal blood and tissue: a comparison of manual and automated microscopy. Microsc Res Tech 70:585-8
Tjoa, M L; Delli-Bovi, L; Johnson, K L et al. (2007) Antibodies to trophoblast antigens HLA-G, placenta growth factor, and neuroD2 do not improve detection of circulating trophoblast cells in maternal blood. Fetal Diagn Ther 22:85-9
Lumley, Mark A; Zamerowski, Suzanne T; Jackson, Laird et al. (2006) Psychosocial correlates of pregnant women's attitudes toward prenatal maternal serum screening and invasive diagnostic testing: beyond traditional risk status. Genet Test 10:131-8
Wataganara, Tuangsit; Gratacos, Eduard; Jani, Jacques et al. (2005) Persistent elevation of cell-free fetal DNA levels in maternal plasma after selective laser coagulation of chorionic plate anastomoses in severe midgestational twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Am J Obstet Gynecol 192:604-9
Bianchi, Diana W (2004) Fetomaternal cell traffic, pregnancy-associated progenitor cells, and autoimmune disease. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 18:959-75
Wataganara, Tuangsit; Bianchi, Diana W (2004) Fetal cell-free nucleic acids in the maternal circulation: new clinical applications. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1022:90-9
Bianchi, D W (2004) Circulating fetal DNA: its origin and diagnostic potential-a review. Placenta 25 Suppl A:S93-S101
Dukes, K A; Sullivan, L M; Lewis, D et al. (2004) The effect of the elapsed time between blood draw and processing on the recovery of fetal cells from maternal blood. J Soc Gynecol Investig 11:154-65
Wataganara, Tuangsit; Peter, Inga; Messerlian, Geralyn M et al. (2004) Inverse correlation between maternal weight and second trimester circulating cell-free fetal DNA levels. Obstet Gynecol 104:545-50
Bischoff, Farideh Z; Hahn, Sinuhe; Johnson, Kirby L et al. (2003) Intact fetal cells in maternal plasma: are they really there? Lancet 361:139-40

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