The
researchers have developed a new class of NanoVelcro microchips that are
reproducible and faster using nano-imprinting fabrication process. The cells
were coated with an antibody to a marker for capturing the fetal cells.
Circulating
fetal nucleated cells (CFNCs) in maternal blood are rich source of fetal
genomic DNA for noninvasive prenatal diagnostics (NIPD).
The
NanoVelcro microchip was developed to effectively enrich a subcategory of
CFNCs, i.e., circulating trophoblasts (cTBs) from maternal
blood. The researchers then isolate single cTBs cell on the imprinted
nanoVelcro microchips with the help of laser capture microdissection (LCM)
technique.
cTB-based
array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and short tandem repeats
analysis was done to detect fetal genders and chromosomal aberrations.
The team tested
the blood samples of 15 pregnant women, carrying a single fetus and accurately
determined genetic conditions that were previously diagnosed by other invasive methods
in nine of the fetuses.
Currently
most of the tests available for routine Prenatal Diagnosis are accurate but invasive
like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. Researchers are looking at
ways to isolate fetal DNA circulating in mother’s blood, but it comes in small
pieces and the amount is also not adequate to run diagnostic tests.
Whole fetal
cells are also present in maternal blood but, we lack ideal methods to capture them
for genetic testing. Hsian-Rong Tseng and her colleagues at California
NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of
Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles,
Los Angeles have previously developed a ‘NanoVelcro' microchip assay for
capturing circulating tumor cells. So, in this new paper they are looking to
apply the same technique for capturing circulating fetal cells.
Photo
credit: American Chemical Society
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