A simple method for isolating placental cells from cervical swabs has been developed by Brown University researchers. The technique, described in the journal Scientific Reports, could aid in developing less invasive ways of diagnosing genetic disorders in developing fetuses.
The technique isolates trophoblast cells -- placental cells that carry the complete fetal genome -- by taking advantage of their tendency to settle to the bottom of microwell plates. The researchers lay out a procedure for optimally isolating the cells, enabling them to be picked individually from the plate.
Genetic Testing of Diseases
Genetic testing helps to confirm a genetic condition in an individual and involves q complex laboratory techniques
Advertisement
‘Trophoblasts are smaller than cervical cells, differ in shape and have relatively large nuclei.
’
Tweet it Now
"This is the first study to use cell settling for enriching trophoblast cells from a heterogeneous cervical cell population," the researchers write. "Ultimately, we provide a technique that is quick, inexpensive, minimizes cell loss, and results in retrieval of individual trophoblast cells." The work was led by the lab of Anubhav Tripathi, a biomedical engineering lab at Brown that specializes in lab-on-a-chip diagnostics -- in collaboration with the Shukla Lab for Designer Biomaterials at Brown's School of Engineering, led by Anita Shukla, and with PerkinElmer, Inc.
Currently, the only way to diagnose genetic disorders in developing fetuses is by retrieving trophoblasts through amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, both invasive procedures that carry a small risk of miscarriage. Blood tests that look for fetal genetic material in the mother's bloodstream can be useful screening tools, but they can't be used for definitive diagnosis. And screening is limited to whatever genetic material happens to turn up in the blood, which limits the range of disorders that can be screened.
![Disorders Included in Newborn Screening]( "Disorders Included in Newborn Screening")
Disorders included in newborn screening in US and India are discussed. Most disorders are either inherited disorders or developmental defects in vital organs such as heart. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of these are key to overall improved outcome.
Trophoblasts are known to be present in the cervical canal in the early stages of pregnancy, but the quantities are small, and isolating those cells from cervical cells and mucus is difficult. For this new study, a team of researchers led by Christina Bailey-Hytholt, a Ph.D. candidate in biomedical engineering at Brown, wanted to see if there were any physical characteristics of trophoblasts that might help in isolating them from cervical cells and other material.
Those characteristics suggested that they may settle more quickly than cervical cells when cell mixtures are placed on microwell plates.
Using polystyrene plates, the researchers found that the trophoblasts did indeed settle more quickly than cervical cells. The study showed that the maximum separation of cell types was achieved around four minutes after the cells were put on the plate. At that point, the cervical cells and mucus on top of the cells could be removed, leaving a large concentration of trophoblasts behind. The technique increased the proportion of trophoblasts in samples by 700%, enabling individual trophoblasts to be picked out for genetic testing.
No specialized equipment beyond what any diagnostic lab would already have is required to perform the technique, the researchers say. And takes only a few minutes to produce the cells necessary for genetic testing.
"There is a large need for biomedical engineering techniques toward advancing prenatal and women's health," Bailey-Hytholt said. "Our work is a step toward more non-invasive prenatal testing options."
Source: Eurekalert
Disorders Included in Newborn Screening
Disorders included in newborn screening in US and India are discussed. Most disorders are either inherited disorders or developmental defects in vital organs such as heart. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of these are key to overall improved outcome.
Advertisement
Trophoblasts are known to be present in the cervical canal in the early stages of pregnancy, but the quantities are small, and isolating those cells from cervical cells and mucus is difficult. For this new study, a team of researchers led by Christina Bailey-Hytholt, a Ph.D. candidate in biomedical engineering at Brown, wanted to see if there were any physical characteristics of trophoblasts that might help in isolating them from cervical cells and other material.
Those characteristics suggested that they may settle more quickly than cervical cells when cell mixtures are placed on microwell plates.
Using polystyrene plates, the researchers found that the trophoblasts did indeed settle more quickly than cervical cells. The study showed that the maximum separation of cell types was achieved around four minutes after the cells were put on the plate. At that point, the cervical cells and mucus on top of the cells could be removed, leaving a large concentration of trophoblasts behind. The technique increased the proportion of trophoblasts in samples by 700%, enabling individual trophoblasts to be picked out for genetic testing.
No specialized equipment beyond what any diagnostic lab would already have is required to perform the technique, the researchers say. And takes only a few minutes to produce the cells necessary for genetic testing.
"There is a large need for biomedical engineering techniques toward advancing prenatal and women's health," Bailey-Hytholt said. "Our work is a step toward more non-invasive prenatal testing options."
Source: Eurekalert
Quiz on Genetic Disorders
genetic mutations and these mutations may be small, affecting just one gene or affecting entire chromosomes. Such mutations may develop spontaneously or they may be inherited from either parent. The consequences of such genetic disorders can vary greatly and very often the extent to which a genetic condition affects the person will be influenced by environmental factors as well. Test your knowledg
Advertisement
 Genetic Testing Prompts Behavior Changes in People at Risk for MelanomaGenetic testing may help individuals with a strong family history of melanoma (skin cancer) adopt risk-reducing behavior better, finds a new study. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Reading
Latest Genetics & Stem Cells News
Scientists have developed the first humanized mouse model for a rare hereditary condition.
A recent study discovered that the placenta, rather than only the brain, is crucial in determining the genetic risk of schizophrenia.
FOXI3 gene was found to be involved in Goldenhar syndrome, one form of developmental disorder, revealed research.
Contrary to previous beliefs, genes may not be fixed and can be influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle choices, according to modern scientific research.
Gene therapy successfully tested on dogs with inherited eye disease is now poised for clinical use in humans.