Genetic Technologies Limited

Research, Incorporated

Ralph Michael Bohmer

The present invention relates to the identification of fetal specific nucleic acids and fetal cell markers in maternal plasma or serum. In particular, the present invention relates to methods which rely on the analysis of polymorphic alleles of a population to determine an allele which is possessed by the fetus but absent from the mother. Fetal specific alleles identified using the methods of the invention can be used to quantify fetal DNA from maternal plasma or serum. In addition, antigens encoded by alleles identified using the methods of the invention can be targeted in methods of isolating or detecting fetal cells.

Identification of fetal DNA and fetal cell markers in maternal plasma or serum

The present invention provides methods for identifying and/or enriching fetal cells from maternal blood, using as fetal cell markers the antibodies that the mother produces against paternally inherited fetal antigens. The fetal cell-maternal antibody complexes are identified and isolated using labelled agents that bind to the maternal antibodies. The present invention also provides fetal cells, isolated by use of said maternal antibodies, as a source of fetal DNA for prenatal genetic diagnosis of the fetus.

Maternal antibodies as fetal cell markers to identify and enrich fetal cells from maternal blood

A flow cytometer and a method for determining properties of single cells or other particles including passing stream of particles through a zone of analysis where a light source directs a beam of light to perpendicularly intersect the stream of particles so that only a single cell is exposed to the light beam. An array of optical fibres adjacent the zone of analysis collects the light refracted by the cells as each cell passes through the zone of analysis. Each fibre is connected to a photomultiplier for converting the light to electrical signals which are analyzed by an electronic analysis unit to determine the particle properties. The angle at which the light is collected by said optical fibre is adjustable to permit more light to be collected to yield more information about the particle.

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St. Kilda, Australia

Ralph Michael Bohmer