CGS-authored
Researchers at the University of Washington have assembled the first comprehensive genetic map of an unborn child — a development that could help usher in a new era of prenatal testing.
By analyzing fetal DNA circulating in the mother's blood, the scientists were able to sequence the baby's genome 18 weeks into the pregnancy. The technique also worked at eight weeks, with slightly lower sensitivity.
Because the approach requires only a blood sample from the mother and saliva from the father, it poses none of the miscarriage risk associated with invasive tests such as amniocentesis. And while most existing prenatal tests are designed to check for single disorders, including Down syndrome, a full-gene scan has the power to reveal a wide range of potential problems before birth, said lead author Jacob Kitzman, a doctoral student in genetics.
"It's much more comprehensive."
The procedure is still several years away from commercialization, project leader Jay Shendure said.
But the UW study, published in the June 6 issue of Science Translational Medicine, marks a significant step forward in technology that's been developing over...