The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Tak Yeung Leung

Kwan Chee Chan

Peiyong Jiang

Yuk Ming Dennis Lo

Wai Kwun Rossa Chiu

Stephen Siu-Chung Chim

Chee Yin Cheung

Wan Chee Cheung

Wing Shan Lee

Wai Kwun Rossa Chu

Rossa Wai Kwun Chiu

Siu-Chung Stephen Chim

The present invention provides a method for determining increased risk of premature birth in a pregnant woman by detecting altered expression level of one or more marker genes in the woman's blood. A kit and device useful for such a method are also provided. In addition, the present invention provides a method for preventing or reducing the likelihood of premature birth.

Biomarkers for premature birth

Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for determining zygosity of a multiple-fetus pregnancy using a biological sample taken from the mother. The fetal and maternal DNA in the sample (e.g. plasma) can be analyzed for a particular chromosomal region to identify genetic differences in the fetuses. For example, a normalized parameter for the measure of a primary or secondary allele can show variances for different chromosomal regions when fetuses are dizygotic. Such a variance can be determined relative to an expected value if the fetuses were genetically identical. Statistical methods are provided for analyzing the variation of the normalized parameters to determine fetal DNA concentration and the maternal-fetal mixed genotype at various loci. Parental genotype and haplotype information can also be used to identify inheritance of different parental haplotypes to indicate genetic differences among the fetuses.

Molecular testing of multiple pregnancies

Growing community of inventors

Hong Kong, China

Tak Yeung Leung