EP0662152A1 - Enrichissement et identification de cellules foetales dans le sang maternel pour l'hybridation in situ - Google Patents

Enrichissement et identification de cellules foetales dans le sang maternel pour l'hybridation in situ

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Publication number
EP0662152A1
EP0662152A1 EP93917297A EP93917297A EP0662152A1 EP 0662152 A1 EP0662152 A1 EP 0662152A1 EP 93917297 A EP93917297 A EP 93917297A EP 93917297 A EP93917297 A EP 93917297A EP 0662152 A1 EP0662152 A1 EP 0662152A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fetal
cells
chromosome
probe
mrna
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP93917297A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Morteza Asgari
Nagindra Prashad
Michael Lee Cubbage
Shyh-Chen Ju
Mark Blick
Joel Bresser
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Aprogenex Inc
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Aprogenex Inc
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Application filed by Aprogenex Inc filed Critical Aprogenex Inc
Publication of EP0662152A1 publication Critical patent/EP0662152A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    • C12Q1/00—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions
    • C12Q1/68—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
    • C12Q1/6809—Methods for determination or identification of nucleic acids involving differential detection
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    • C12Q1/00—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions
    • C12Q1/68—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
    • C12Q1/6804—Nucleic acid analysis using immunogens
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    • C12Q1/00—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions
    • C12Q1/68—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
    • C12Q1/6813—Hybridisation assays
    • C12Q1/6841—In situ hybridisation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    • C12Q1/00—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions
    • C12Q1/68—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
    • C12Q1/6876—Nucleic acid products used in the analysis of nucleic acids, e.g. primers or probes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/50—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing
    • G01N33/53—Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor
    • G01N33/569—Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor for microorganisms, e.g. protozoa, bacteria, viruses
    • G01N33/56966—Animal cells
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    • C12Q2600/00—Oligonucleotides characterized by their use
    • C12Q2600/156—Polymorphic or mutational markers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
    • C12Q2600/00—Oligonucleotides characterized by their use
    • C12Q2600/158—Expression markers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2800/00—Detection or diagnosis of diseases
    • G01N2800/36—Gynecology or obstetrics
    • G01N2800/368—Pregnancy complicated by disease or abnormalities of pregnancy, e.g. preeclampsia, preterm labour

Definitions

  • This invention generally pertains to a method of enriching fetal cells from maternal blood and to a method for identifying such fetal cells, and further to a process whereby such cells are specimens in an in situ hybridization to detect nucleic acid sequences of clinical interest, e.g. to identify the sex of a fetus, and to detect genetic abnormalities and/or viral infections in fetal cells.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The sex of a human fetus and certain fetal chromosomal abnormalities are conventionally detected or confirmed by directly examining the chromosomes in fetal cells by cytogenetic analysis or by testing for specific sequences of DNA within the chromosomes using nucleic acid analysis. In the past, these tests have required the collection and culturing of living cells obtained through an outpatient surgical procedure involving some risk to the mother or fetus. These cells, which have been shed from the fetus, may be obtained by amniocentesis. Amniocentesis involves inserting a needle through the abdominal wall into the uterus and withdrawing a small amount of amniotic fluid.
  • An alternative procedure involves sampling the tissue of chorionic villi from the surface of the placenta by inserting a catheter through the cervix or abdomen.
  • spontaneous miscarriage or other serious complications may occur in about 0.5% of amniocentesis procedures and about 1 % of chorionic villi procedures.
  • Fetal cells collected by amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling are conventionally grown in culture for several days and then examined for abnormalities. Various kinds of fetal cells have been characterized. Fetal cells include, but are not limited to, fetal erythrocytes, lymphocytes and trophoblasts.
  • Trophoblasts include cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast cells and cells which may be sampled from embryos produced by in vitro fertilization techniques.
  • erythrocytes includes erythroblasts, normoblasts and reticulocytes, as well as erythrocytes, unless the contrary is clear from the context.
  • Nucleic acid hybridization techniques are based on the ability of single-stranded DNA or RNA to pair, i.e. hybridize, with a complementary nucleic acid strand. This hybridization reaction allows the development of specific probes, or populations of probes, that can identify the presence of specific genes (DNA) or polynucleotide sequences or the transcription and expression of those genes (RNA).
  • specific nucleic acid (RNA or DNA) probes genetic markers for the gender or other genetic characteristic of the fetus and for infection and other disease states may be detected.
  • Certain genetic diseases are characterized by the presence of genes absent in normal tissue.
  • Other disease conditions are characterized by the expression of RNAs or RNA translation products (i.e.
  • peptides or proteins which are not expressed in normal cells.
  • Some disease states are characterized by the absence of certain genes or portions of genes, or the absence or alteration of expression of gene products or proteins.
  • Solution hybridization methods which require the destruction of the cell and the isolation of the nucleic acids from the cell before carrying out the hybridization reaction sacrifice the cellular integrity, spatial resolution and sensitivity of detection. Where relatively few cells are available for isolation, as with fetal cells circulating in maternal blood, solution hybridization is not feasible.
  • Amplification of nucleic acids such as by polymerase chain reaction, is a known technique, but with certain known drawbacks preventing optimal speed and efficiency. For example, such techniques may cause lysis of cells, may produce false positives due to sensitivity of the technique, and may lead to loss of specificity where high levels of amplification are required to detect a target that is present in low copy number.
  • hybridization of the amplified target is required in any event, so that multiple time-consuming steps are performed when amplification is used.
  • In situ hybridization provides a technique for the determination and quantitation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in tissues at the single-cell level. Such hybridization techniques can detect the presence or absence of specific genes therein and may also be utilized to detect the expression of gene products at the single-cell level.
  • the present invention fulfills a long-felt need and desire in this field.
  • cells may be obtained from maternal peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, chorionic villus samples, etc.
  • Cellular samples may be used directly or may be concentrated as stated elsewhere herein to enrich the population of fetal cells prior to analysis.
  • Cells may be fixed in common precipitating fixatives or cross-linking fixatives or may be used in the following test without fixation.
  • the procedure may be carried out with cells deposited onto a solid support such as a glass microscope slide or used with the cells in suspension. Prior to use, cells in suspension may be washed with chilled PBS and mixed thoroughly to ensure a single-cell suspension.
  • This method comprises the steps of obtaining a specimen that contains fetal cells and detecting a marker that distinguishes fetal cells from maternal cells also present in the sample.
  • RNA for a fetal protein such as fetal hemoglobin (HbF) or ⁇ -fetoprotein.
  • RNA is generally messenger RNA (mRNA), but may alternatively or additionally include heteronuclear RNA (hnRNA) or ribosomal RNA (rRNA).
  • hnRNA heteronuclear RNA
  • rRNA ribosomal RNA
  • detection is preferably performed within substantially intact cellular membranes using in situ hybridization, preferably with synthetic DNA probes directed towards the fetal protein RNA.
  • synthetic DNA probes are employed, to which chromofluors have been covalently attached.
  • fluorescence we refer to any emission of detectable radiation as a result of excitement with radiation of a different wavelength than that emitted.
  • the exciting radiation is conventionally ultraviolet or visible light but may be infrared or other electromagnetic radiation.
  • Another preferred embodiment employs synthetic DNA probes which are directly labeled, or may be indirectly labeled with enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase.
  • enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase.
  • the binding of such probes to fetal RNA followed by subsequent reaction of the enzymes with substrates to produce a detectable product e.g. blue or purple solid precipitated from the reaction of BCIP with NBT
  • a detectable product e.g. blue or purple solid precipitated from the reaction of BCIP with NBT
  • the information resulting from such an assay may be used not only to identify the status of the fetus, as will be discussed more particularly below, but also to provide a fetal hemoglobin estimation based on the number of fetal erythrocytes detected, e.g.
  • the amount of specific gamma globulin, containing anti Rh(D) to be administered is calculated from this estimation, to suppress maternal immune reaction to fetal red blood cells entering maternal circulation.
  • RNAs detect the presence of at least two different RNAs in a cell.
  • Fetal cells contain unique mRNAs or mRNA species which are produced in cell types which do not normally contain the particular mRNA species.
  • the detection of these RNAs can serve to identify cells, or even subcellular fractions as fetal or embryonic in origin. While certain RNA populations are present in high abundance (e.g., fetal hemoglobin in fetal nucleated red blood cells), other fetal- or embryonic specific RNAs are present in low abundance, either alone or even when considered as a population of fetal-specific RNAs.
  • RNA species while produced in certain fetal cells, may also be produced in certain maternal cells.
  • fetal cells express two or more particular RNAs in the same cell while maternal cells from the same specimen source do not contain both RNA species in the same cell.
  • the ability to detect multiple mRNA or hnRNA species simultaneously in the same cell thereby enhances the ability to distinguish fetal cells from non-fetal (e.g. maternal) cells and offers a means of combining the signal produced when only the unique set of RNAs is present so that a specific signal is detected, which uniquely identifies fetal cells.
  • An alternative method for identifying fetal cells is to detect a substance that is present in fetal cells but not in the maternal blood cells which would be present in the sample.
  • a substance which is particularly effective for such detection is cytokeratin, which may be detected by an antibody thereto.
  • Another such substance is the peptide fetal hemoglobin, which may be detected by stain such as acid hematoxylin and eosin B (e.g. Sigma Diagnostics, P.O. 14508, St. Louis, MO 63178, cat. no. 285) or by an antibody to fetal hemoglobin.
  • RNA that is present in fetal cells and a peptide.
  • the RNA may be detected by nucleic acid hybridization, and the peptide may be detected by the binding of an antibody thereto or by staining.
  • a further set of embodiments of the present invention involve enriching the relative proportion of fetal cells in the specimen compared to other cells, e.g. maternal cells.
  • Such enrichment may preferably take place by selectively removing maternal cells, e.g. by contacting the sample with a ligand to a cell surface component, the ligand being capable of being selectively separated from the sample.
  • the ligand is an antibody to an antigen generally present on maternal blood cells.
  • the ligand is bound to a solid matrix for separation from the liquid containing the sample.
  • the matrix is a magnetic bead.
  • the matrix may alternatively be in the form of a column through which the cell suspension is passed.
  • the antibody comprises a monoclonal antibody to CD45.
  • This antibody selectively binds to an epitope expressed on all isoforms of the human leukocyte common antigen (LCA) family, which are expressed on all leukocytes. Fetal erythrocytes are preferably enriched in such manner.
  • Additional antibodies which may be employed, along with or instead of anti-CD45, include anti-CD13, anti-CD34, anti-CD44 and anti-CD31.
  • the amount of antibody used is from about 2 to about 20 ⁇ g per million leukocytes in the sample.
  • fetal cells may be selectively enriched by density gradient centrifugation. Fetal erythrocytes, lymphocytes or trophoblasts are preferably enriched in such manner. Subsequently, the fetal cells are detected as generally stated hereinabove.
  • a novel method of identifying fetal cells in a specimen comprises the steps of obtaining a specimen that contains fetal cells and preliminarily labeling the fetal cells through the use of a fluorescent label which may be detected by instrumentation. Subsequently, the fetal cells are concentrated using flow cytor ⁇ etry.
  • a novel method of detecting a nucleic acid sequence in a fetal cell having substantially intact cellular membranes by in situ hybridization comprising the steps of fixing said fetal cell with a medium comprising at least one agent selected from the group consisting of a precipitating agent and a cross-linking agent; contacting said fixed specimen with a hybridization solution consisting of a denaturing agent, hybrid stabilizing agent, buffering agent, selective membrane pore-forming agent, and at least one synthetic oligonucleotide probe having a nucleotide sequence at least substantially complementary to a target nucleotide sequence to be detected, said contacting being under hybridizing conditions at a temperature of 15°C to 80°C for about 5 to 240 minutes in the presence of at least one detectable label; and detecting hybrid formation by means of said label.
  • a novel method of detecting the presence of a nucleic acid sequence in a fetal cell having substantially intact cellular membranes by in situ hybridization comprising steps of contacting said fetal cell with a medium comprising a denaturing agent, a hybrid stabilizing agent, a bufferin agent, a membrane pore-forming agent, and at least one synthetic oligonucleotide probe having a nucleotide sequence at least substantially complementary to a specific target nucleotide sequence to be detected, said contacting to be under hybridizing conditions in the presence of at least one detectable label; and detecting hybrid formation by means of said label.
  • the hybridization medium may contain a fixative agent.
  • kits for the enrichment of fetal cells within a blood specimen including means for creating a density gradient for separating out fetal cells of interest.
  • a novel kit for the enrichment of fetal cells from a specimen such as preferably maternal peripheral blood, and the detection of nucleic acid sequence in such fetal cells.
  • This kit comprises an antibody to a cell surfac antigen present on most or all adult white blood cells, which antibody may be bound to a matrix to facilitate separation.
  • the kit further comprises a hybridization solution comprising a denaturing agent, hybrid stabilizing agent buffering agent, and a membrane pore-forming agent.
  • this kit contains a supply of an oligonucleotide probe capable of hybridizing with a target fetal RNA nucleotide sequence.
  • a kit also includes another detectably different probe capable of hybridizing with a nucleic acid sequence of clinical interest.
  • Various kinds of fetal cells are characterized by cell type.
  • this invention relates to fetal nucleated erythrocytes.
  • the present invention may involve fetal trophoblasts, which term includes both cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast cells.
  • the fetal cells are preferably separated from maternal peripheral blood by ligand binding of maternal cells or density gradient centrifugation.
  • the procedures of the present invention may alternatively be applied to samples obtained by percutaneous sampling of umbilical cord blood, amniocentesis, chorionic villi sampling or other procedures, if the advantages obtained by maternal peripheral blood sampling are not required.
  • the cells may be distinguished or separated from maternal cells by recognition of a fetal cell antigen, e.g., by staining with a labeled antibody to cytokeratin or to fetal hemoglobin, by staining for fetal hemoglobin, or preferably by in situ hybridization using DNA probes to messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences that are present in such fetal cells but not in maternal blood cells.
  • a fetal cell antigen e.g., by staining with a labeled antibody to cytokeratin or to fetal hemoglobin, by staining for fetal hemoglobin, or preferably by in situ hybridization using DNA probes to messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences that are present in such fetal cells but not in maternal blood cells.
  • mRNA messenger RNA
  • An antibody to cytokeratin attached to a fluorescent label is especially desirable for use without interfering with the nucleic acid hybridization performed in accordance with the present invention.
  • a preferred method in accordance with this invention uses in situ hybridization performed on cells that are obtained from maternal peripheral blood using probes and conditions that select for messenger RNA (mRNA) bearing sequences that are transcribed in fetal cells but not in the maternal blood cells.
  • mRNA messenger RNA
  • HbF fetal hemoglobin
  • certain methods of the present invention may involve embryonic cells fertilized in vitro, or products of conception, which do not need to be separated or distinguished from maternal cells.
  • An advantage of the hybridization technique of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it is possible to perform the hybridization to detect fetal mRNA sequences under conditions similar to (or preferably the same as) those used to detect genetic or viral DNA.
  • a single incubation step is performed in which probes for mRNA and probes for DNA are present in the hybridization cocktail.
  • the in situ hybridization techniques of the present invention are capable of detecting even a single genetic abnormality in a single cell.
  • Incubation in accordance with the present invention is desirably less than about 120 minutes, and preferably between about 5 and about 30 minutes. If a procedure for detecting a genetic abnormality involving somewhat fewer than 1500 bases is desired, increasing the time of incubation, even beyond 240 minutes, may often provide the needed result.
  • Another aspect of this invention is to detect genetic abnormalities, such as additions, deletions, translocations and rearrangements, that are characterized by nucleotide sequences of as few as 15 base pairs.
  • the present invention is not limited to the detection of such genetic abnormalities in fetal cells, but also is applicable to nucleic acid from virtually any source.
  • the cells containing the target nucleic acid molecules may be eukaryotic cells (e.g., human cells, including cells derived from blood, skin, bone, lung, nervous system, liver, uterus, testes, prostate, mucous membrane, or in general any part of ectoderm, mesoderm or endoderm), prokaryotic cells (e.g., bacteria), plant cells, or any other type of cell.
  • eukaryotic cells e.g., human cells, including cells derived from blood, skin, bone, lung, nervous system, liver, uterus, testes, prostate, mucous membrane, or in general any part of ectoderm, mesoderm or endoderm
  • prokaryotic cells e.g., bacteria
  • plant cells or any other type of cell.
  • They can be simple eukaryotes such as yeast or derived from complex eukaryotes such as humans.
  • the invention may be used to distinguish various strains of viruses, as well as cellular DNA or
  • the target strands of nucleic acid may be in a non-enveloped virus or an enveloped virus (having a non-enveloped membrane such as a lipid protein membrane).
  • Figure 1 shows the use of in situ hybridization to determine th numerical status of chromosomes X, Y and 18 in normal male amniocytes.
  • Figure 2 shows the simultaneous detection of the X and Y chromosomes within amniocytes and white blood cells.
  • Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the technique preferably used to enrich fetal erythrocytes from maternal blood in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the technique preferably used to enrich fetal trophoblasts from maternal blood in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 5 shows the use of probes for fetal hemoglobin messenger RNA to identify fetal erythrocytes.
  • Figure 6 shows the use of anti-cytokeratin antibodies to positively identify fetal cells in maternal blood.
  • Figure 7 shows the detection of the Y chromosome within a fetal trophoblast, positively identified using the anti-cytokeratin antibody, and isolated from maternal blood.
  • Figure 8 shows the use of in situ hybridization to determine th numerical status of chromosomes X, Y and 18 in placental trophoblasts tha have been positively identified using the anti-cytokeratin antibody.
  • Figure 9 shows the use of in situ hybridization to fetal-cell- specific mRNA to positively identify amniocytes and trophoblasts.
  • Figure 10 shows the use of in situ hybridization to fetal-cell- specific mRNA and to chromosomes X and Y in fetal erythrocytes.
  • the methods of the present invention may be used to identify fetal cells in a wide variety of specimens.
  • Representative examples of suc specimens include maternal peripheral blood, placental tissue, chorionic villi amniotic fluid and embryonic tissue.
  • matern peripheral blood is the preferable specimen, which in the past has been the most difficult to obtain reliable and consistent results with because of the high ratio between maternal cells (which interfere with any assay of fetal nucleic acid) and fetal cells.
  • the methods of the present invention may be used to detect a number of fetal cells in a specimen.
  • fetal cells include trophoblasts, nucleated red blood cells (erythrocytes), fetal epithelial cells, fetal mesothelial cells, fetal lymphocytes and fetal embryoni cells.
  • the methods of the present invention may be used to detect fetal- cell-specific polynucleotide sequences, that is, oligonucleotides, withi a fetal cell.
  • the novel methods of th present invention may be used to detect a virus or a chromosome within a fetal cell.
  • viruses detectable by the present invention include a human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis virus and herp virus.
  • Representative examples of chromosomes detected by the present invention include the human X chromosome, the Y chromosome and Chromosomes 1 , 13, 16, 18 and 21.
  • the sensitivity of the in situ hybridization techniques of the present invention permit the visual and photographic detection of a single copy of a genetic sequence present within a single cell.
  • each probe using a single fluorophor on each probe, with each probe being about 25 bases in length, genetic sequence of approximately 6,000 bases can be reliably detected b viewing the results through a standard fluorescent microscope.
  • four fluorophors are attached to a single probe, the presence or absence of a particular genetic sequence of approximately 1500 bases can be reliably detected, using the period of incubation taught herein.
  • probes for corresponding sequences from both the "sense" and the "anti-sense" strands of a two-stranded nucleic acid one can detect the presence or absence of a sequence as short as approximately 750 base pai using such periods of incubation described herein. Alternatively, one may potentially detect as few as 15 to 20 base pairs using an image analysis system.
  • RNA or DNA incorporated in the fetal cell's nucleic acid sequence can be detected by th in situ hybridization techniques of the present invention.
  • the present invention allows for multiple targets to be tested simultaneously, using a single sample of cells. This permits the maximum amount of information to be obtained from a single sample, minimizing the need for multiple fetal cell samples and thereby increasing the safety to bo mother and fetus and minimizing need for cell purity and sorting.
  • Identification of fetal cells or detection of genetic abnormalitie within fetal cells requires their separation and differentiation from maternal cells. This requirement is especially necessary when the sample of cells is obtained from maternal peripheral blood containing a low percentage of fet cells.
  • any method which allows for the accurate separation and identification of fetal cells may be used in the methods of the present invention.
  • any method of positi or negative separation by antibodies may be used to identify and sort fetal cells.
  • Positive and negative separation by antibodies includes an antibody binding specifically to fetal cell antigens and not significantly to maternal cell antigens (positive separation) and an antibody binding specifically to maternal cell antigens and not significantly to fetal c antigens (negative separation).
  • the antibodies may be coupled to numero solid surfaces or supports (substrates, such as containers, columns, wells, beads, or particles) by physical or chemical bonding.
  • the antibodies may be coupled to a material which facilitates the selected separation step.
  • antibodies may be tagged with fluorescent markers and separated with a cell sorter by standard procedures. ln general, such antibodies are effective when employed in amounts of about 2 - 20 ⁇ g per million cells to which they are targeted. That is, antibodies which recognize and bind to leukocytes are added in the aforesaid amountm, based on the expected number of leukocytes in the sample. Alternatively, antibodies which recognize and bind to trophoblasts are added in the aforesaid amount, based on the expected number of trophoblasts in the sample.
  • negative separation is employed.
  • a particularly preferred negative separation is performed by using antibody to CD45, hereinafter "anti-CD45,” which selectively binds to white blood cells.
  • the anti-CD45 is desirably bonded to a solid support such as magnetic beads, which may be introduced into a test tube and shaken with the sample and then held in position at the side of the test tube by the application of a magnetic field, while liquid containing the un-bound sample is removed.
  • a solid support such as magnetic beads
  • Such beads are available as Anti-CD45 immunomagnetic bead Catalog No. 1 178, from Amac, Inc., 160B Larrabee Road, Wesbrook, ME 04092.
  • immunomagnetic beads from Calbiochem, 10933 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, uncoated as catalo no. 400995, or coated with streptavidin as catalog no. 400996.
  • Such beads may be coated by the user with antibodies to cell surface antigens found on cells which are desired to be removed from the fetal cells (when negative selection is being employed) or on the type of fetal cells which are desired to be concentrated (when positive selection is being employed).
  • Another bead which may be coated with antibody is an aqueous suspensio of iron oxide particles coated to provide carboxyl groups, permitting the covalent attachment of biologically active molecules.
  • Such beads and a description of procedure for use, are available as BioMag Carboxyl Terminated, catalog no. 8-4125, Advanced Magnetics, Inc., Cambridge M
  • white blood cells may be even more effectively removed by a combination of antibodies to CD45, CD13 and CD34.
  • Anti- CD44 can also be included in the mixture to remove contaminating maternal red blood cells. Addition of anti-CD31 can specifically remove the contaminating platelets.
  • Such antibodies are available from various sources such as Amac, Inc. (see above), Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-1884, and Zymed Laboratories, Inc., 458 Carlton Court, South San Francisco, CA. See Zymed's 1992 catalog at pages 10-13 and 71-72. See also W. Knapp, Fourth International Workshop and Conference on Human Leukocyte Differentiation Antigens, Oxford University Press, 1989; and D.F.
  • Fetal cells may alternatively be isolated from maternal peripheral blood by either density gradient centrifugation or by flow cytometry. Using flow cytometry, fetal cells may be identified and sorted, for example, by first using either a labeled antibody specific for a fetal cell antigen or by using a nucleic-acid-specific probe, e.g., a synthetic oligonucleotide probe hybridizable to fetal cell RNA. Concentration of Fetal Nucleated Red Blood Cells in Maternal Blood An example of a separation of fetal nucleated red blood cells
  • step 10 draws twenty ml of maternal peripheral blood 18, e.g. into two conventional ten-ml EDTA anti-coagulation blood collection tubes 12 and 14, e.g. Vacutainer tubes. Alternatively, ten ml of umbilical cord blood is drawn. The blood is transferred into a fifty-ml centrifuge tube 16. ln step 20, the blood sample 18 is mixed with fifteen ml of Cell Buffer A 22 to form a buffered sample 24. (See Exemplary Solutions, below.) Mix well.
  • step 30 fifteen ml of a density-gradient separation reagent 32 having a density of about 1.083, e.g. Histopaque 1083, is placed in a fifty-ml conical tube 34, and up to twenty ml of the buffered sample 24 is carefully layered on the top of the density separation reagent.
  • the density separation reagent may have a density from about 1.075 to about 1.095, preferably between 1.08 and 1.09.
  • the conical tube 34 is centrifuged in a swinging- bucket rotor 36 at 700 x g for thirty minutes at room temperature. Arrow 38 shows the direction of centrifugal force being applied to tube 34 as illustrated. If two containers of blood sample were provided initially, then prepare and process a second density separation tube for the remaining twenty ml of diluted blood, repeating steps 30 and 40 as to the second tube. If the sample is umbilical cord blood, there would be only one such tube.
  • step 50 aspirate off and discard the top serum/buffer layer 54. Discard this waste.
  • the buffy coat 56 is the interface layer at the top of the density separation reagent 52, which contains both maternal and fetal white blood cells, nucleated red blood cells, and erythroblasts. Collect the buffy coat 56 by pipette 58 and transfer to a fresh fifty-ml conical tube 62. If more than one tube 34 of density separation material were prepared for a single patient, combine all interface layers 56 into a single fifty-ml conical tube 62.
  • step 60 wash the collected cell layer with Cell Buffer A 22 by adding Cell Buffer A to the cells to make the volume forty-five ml.
  • step 70 pellet the cells in tube 62 by centrifugation at 1000 rpm for ten minutes at room temperature.
  • step 80 resuspend the cells, this time in one ml of Cell
  • Buffer B 82 For step 90, prepare one hundred ⁇ of anti-CD45 magnetic beads 94 in a 2-ml microcentrifuge tube 92 using aseptic technique as follows. (This preparation of the beads is not shown diagrammatically.) Wash the beads by adding 1.4 ml of Cell Buffer A, using a magnet to retain the beads on the side of the tube. Let the tube sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the wash solution with a pipette. Remove the magnet. As shown in the diagram for step 90, add to the tube 92 the resuspended cells in tube 64 from step 70. Incubate at room temperature for ten minutes, mixing gently. In step 100, apply a magnet, such as a magnetic support block illustrated diagrammatically as magnet 102, to retain the beads 94 against the side of the tube 92.
  • a magnet such as a magnetic support block illustrated diagrammatically as magnet 102
  • step 1 10 remove and collect the liquid by pipette 1 12.
  • the cell suspension 1 14 in pipette 1 12 contains the fetal cells.
  • the cellular material 1 18 that remains with the beads 94 primarily contains maternal leukocytes.
  • Step 120 diagrammatically represents the transfer of the pipetting liquid 1 14 onto a microscope slide 162 from pipette 1 12. Such a transfer would generally be done by pipette. Alternatively, the washed fetal cell suspension may be transferred to a fresh tube (not shown), if hybridization in suspension is to be performed.
  • a bead having, for example, anti- CD45 bonded thereto directly negative selection
  • the anti-CD45 is a mouse antibody
  • such a ligand-forming antibody may be, for example a sheep-antimouse IgG antibody bonded to substrate that is generally solid or otherwise able to facilitate removal of the ligand complex from solution, such as an antibody-coated magnetic bead, the coated well of a container, etc.
  • slides are preferably made by the conventional cytospin technique. Alternatively they may be prepared as organosiianated slides.
  • cytospun slides 200 ⁇ of the cell suspension 114 from step 1 10 is cytospun onto each slide for five minutes at 500 rpm. Dip the cytospun slides in chilled 80% ethanol/water (v/v) for five minutes. Air dry. Alternatively, the cytospun slides may be fixed by directly applying 30 ⁇ of ethanol/methanol (3:1 v/v) onto each slide.
  • organosiianated slides To prepare organosiianated slides, immerse clean slides for 2 minutes in a freshly prepared 2% (v/v) solution of an organosilane such as 3- aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTO) in acetone. Rinse the slides twice in water and air dry. For each 20 ml of maternal blood or 10 ml of umbilical cord blood used as the sample, resuspend the cell pellet in 50 ⁇ of a fixative solution, e.g. 80% ethanol/water or 3:1 ethanol/methanol. Spot 50 ⁇ of this suspension on a slide and air dry the sample.
  • a fixative solution e.g. 80% ethanol/water or 3:1 ethanol/methanol.
  • a Coulter Profile II flow cytometer may be used to detect nucleic acids within fetal cells, using a PMT 1 setting of 1 100 and a PMT 3 setting of 900. Color compensation, PMT 1 - PMT 3, may be 15%.
  • An Epics Elite system may be used to sort fetal cells out of a specimen, e.g., of maternal blood. When fluorescein (generally FITC) is the probe dye, the dye is first excited with light having a wavelength 488 nm and then the emitted light is measured.
  • fluorescein generally FITC
  • a 540 bp (40) filter is used for the emitted light (for LFL1 ); i.e., only light with a wavelength between 520 nm and 560 nm is allowed to pass.
  • the filter for LFL3 is a 635 long pass filter; i.e., it allows any light over 635 nm wavelength to pass.
  • a marker may be used to define the cell as a fetal cell, e.g., a trophoblast.
  • Various antigens found at the surface of trophoblasts are known, and antibodies to such antigens are used as markers for identification and separation of such cells from maternal blood, other maternal cells or placental tissue.
  • an antibody to cytokeratin is a preferred fetal cell marker for trophoblasts.
  • antibodies to representative fetal cell markers may be used, such as: (1 ) cytokeratin, (2) ?-subunit of chorionic gonadotrophin, (3) fetal hemoglobin protein, (4) chorionic somatomammotropin protein (placental lactogen), (5) pregnancy-specific ?-glycoprotein, and (6) ⁇ -fetoprotein.
  • cytokeratin Various labeled antibodies to cytokeratin are available. These include CAM 5.2 from Becton Dickinson, Catalog No. 92-0005; and anti-cytokeratin 18- FITC from Sigma Chemical Company, Catalog No. F-4772 (antibody to cytokeratin 18). Most preferably, the antibody to cytokeratin is labeled with fluorescent moiety.
  • fetal-cell-specific RNA sequences are used as fetal cell markers.
  • Such sequences are transcripts of, e.g., the fetal hemoglobin gene, the cytokeratin gene, the ?-subunit of chorionic gonadotrophin gene, the chorionic somatomammotropin gene (placental lactogen), the pregnancy-specific / 5-glycoprotein genes, the embryonic hemoglobin gene or the ⁇ -fetoprotein gene.
  • the sequences of these genes and others may be obtained from the Genetic Sequence Data Bank, GenBank, version 69.0.
  • a DNA probe, or population of probes, embodying any of these sequences is synthesized as an oligodeoxynucleotide using a commercial DNA synthesizer such as Model 380B from Applied Biosystems,
  • Probes may be comprised of the natural nucleotide bases or known analogs of the natural nucleotide bases, including those modified to bind labeling moieties.
  • the novel methods of identifying fetal cells in a specimen using density gradient centrifugation utilize density gradient medium.
  • the density gradient medium comprises colloidal polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated silica (e.g. Percoll), nycodenz, a nonionic polysucrose (Ficoll) either alone or with sodium diatrizoate (Ficoll-Paque or Histopaque), or mixtures thereof.
  • the density of the reagent employed is selected to preferentially separate the fetal cells of interest from other blood components.
  • the present invention permits detection of genetic abnormalities using a minimum number of fetal cells.
  • Fetal cells may be obtained by amniocentesis, chorionic villi sampling or other standard methods known in the art.
  • fetal cells are isolated from maternal peripheral blood, avoiding the invasion of the uterine cavity and thus precluding injury to the mother or fetus.
  • fetal cells are isolated from a percutaneous sample of umbilical cord blood.
  • the sensitivity of the present method permits drawing a smaller sample of umbilical cord blood, i.e. preferably 1-2 ml, but optionally as little as 0.2 ml, than would need to be drawn using conventional fetal cell isolation and detection techniques. Detection of Genetic Abnormalities
  • the genetic abnormalities detected by the present invention may be deletions, additions, amplifications, translocations or rearrangements.
  • a deletion may be identified by detecting the absence of hybridizable binding of the probe to a target sequence.
  • a population of probes are prepared that are complementary to the nucleic acid sequence that is present in a normal fetal cell but absent in an abnormal one. If the probes hybridize to the sequence in the cell being tested, then the sequence is detected and the cell is normal as to that sequence. If the probes fail to hybridize to cellular nucleic acid, then the sequence is not detected in that cell and the cell is designated as abnormal, provided that a control sequence, such as the X chromosome, is detected in that cell.
  • An addition may be identified by detecting binding of a labeled probe to a polynucleotide repeat segment of a chromosome.
  • a genetic sequence such as an insertion in a chromosome or a karyotypic abnormality such as the trisomy of Chromosome 21 which indicates Down's Syndrome
  • a population of probes are prepared that are complementary to the genetic sequence in question.
  • the probes complementary to Chromosome 21 hybridize to three appearances of the Chromosome 21 sequence in the cell, then three occurrences of the Chromosome 21 sequence will be detected and indicate the Down's Syndrome trisomic condition.
  • the detection means is a fluorescent dye, for example, then three distinct points of fluorescence visible in each cell will indicate the trisomy condition.
  • Example 14 when an amplification of a particular DNA fragment is present, there is an increase in the intensity of the signal from a labeled probe for the sequence which is subject to amplification. Using any of a number of image analysis systems, this signal is quantified and compared to normal controls to determine whether or not a particular amplification mutation is present.
  • a translocation or rearrangement may be identified by several methods. For example, a labeled first probe may be bound to a marker region of a chromosome that does not translocate. A labeled second probe is then bound to a second region of the same chromosome (for a rearrangement) or a second chromosome (for a translocation) and subsequently binding of the first and second probes is detected. Alternatively, a translocation may be identified by first binding a labeled probe to a marker region of a polynucleotide section of a chromosome that translocates or rearranges. Subsequently, binding of the labeled probe is detected.
  • a marker for the chromosome in question is identified, and a population of probes are prepared that hybridize to it. They are marked with a detectable label, such as a dye that fluoresces at a particular wavelength.
  • the sequence that translocates or rearranges in the abnormality being tested for is also identified, and second population of probes are prepared that identify it.
  • the members of the second population of probes are marked with a distinguishably different label, such as a dye that fluoresces at a different wavelength from the first series of labeled probes.
  • In situ hybridization is performed using both populations of probes, and the results of hybridization by each of the probe populations are compared.
  • first and second labels are coincident on virtually all cell samples, no translocation has taken place. If the first label is found not to coincide with the second label on a significant fraction of samples, then a translocation or rearrangement has taken place. See, e.g., F. Speleman, Clinical Genetics 4I(4):169-174 (1992);
  • Ethanol e.g. 80% ethanol/water (v/v)
  • a fixative during preparation of the cells for in situ hybridization.
  • Other useful precipitation fixatives include acetic acid, methanol, acetone, and combinations thereof, for example ethanol/methanol mixture 3:1.
  • Other useful fixatives will be obvious to one skilled in the art. Fixatives and hybridization of fixed cells, in general, are discussed in U.S. Patent No. 5,225,326. Fixatives should provide good preservation of cellular morphology and preservation and accessibility of antigens, and high hybridization efficiency.
  • Some salts e.g.
  • mercuric chloride sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, potassium dichromate, potassium phosphate, ammonium bromide, calcium chloride, sodium acetate, lithium chloride, cesium acetate, calcium or magnesium acetate, potassium nitrate, potassium dichromate, sodium chromate, potassium iodide, sodium iodate, sodium thiosulfate, and extreme temperatures, such as waving a slide over a flame, may also function as fixatives.
  • the fixative may contain a compound which fixes the cellular components by cross-linking these materials together, for example, paraformaldehyde, glutaraldehyde or formaldehyde.
  • Cross-linking agents while preserving ultrastructure, often reduce hybridization efficiency by forming networks trapping nucleic acids and antigens and rendering them inaccessible to probes and antibodies. Some cross-linking agents also covalently modify nucleic acids, preventing later hybrid formation.
  • Hybridization Solution Components may typically comprise a chaotropic denaturing agent, a buffer, a pore-forming agent, a hybrid stabilizing agent.
  • the chaotropic denaturing agents include formamide, urea, thiocyanate, guanidine, trichloroacetate, tetramethylamine, perchlorate, and sodium iodide. Any buffer which maintains pH at least between about 6.0 and about 8.5 and preferably between 7.0 and 8.0 may be utilized.
  • the pore-forming agent is, for instance, a detergent such as Brij 35, Brij 58, sodium dodecyl sulfate, CHAPS, Tween, Sarkasyl or Triton X-100.
  • a detergent such as Brij 35, Brij 58, sodium dodecyl sulfate, CHAPS, Tween, Sarkasyl or Triton X-100.
  • the pore-forming agent is chosen to facilitate probe entry through plasma, nuclear membranes or cellular compartmental structures. For instance,
  • Triton X-100 will permit probe entry through the plasma membrane but not the nuclear membrane.
  • sodium deoxycholate will allow probes to traverse the nuclear membrane.
  • nuclear membrane pore-forming agents are avoided. Such selective subcellular localization contributes to the specificity and sensitivity of the assay by eliminating probe hybridization to complementary nuclear sequences when the target nucleic acid is located in the cytoplasm. Agents other than detergents, such as fixatives or salts, may serve this function.
  • Hybrid stabilizing agents such as salts of mono- and divalent cations are included in the hybridization solution to promote formation of hydrogen bonds between complementary sequences of the probe and its target nucleic acid.
  • sodium chloride at a concentration from 0.15 M to 1 M is used.
  • nucleic acids unrelated to the target nucleic acids may desirably be added to the hybridization solution.
  • solid supports may be utilized to practice the invention. Supports which may be utilized include, but are not limited to, glass, Scotch tape (3M), nylon, Gene Screen Plus (New England Nuclear) and nitrocellulose. Most preferably, glass microscope slides are used.
  • the target cell is immobilized on a solid surface (especially a glass slide).
  • the target cell is suspended in liquid during the entire process and not immobilized on a solid surface.
  • Use of conventional flow cytometry instruments is especially facilitated with the present invention.
  • the process comprises the steps of: (1 ) contacting the cells with a solution comprising a probe capable of binding to a target molecule in or on said cells, said contacting performed in a manner such that the probe binds to said target molecule so as to make that probe a cell-bound probe, said probe comprising a reporter group; (2) contacting the cell with a solution comprising a structural analogue of the reporter group,
  • step (1 ) takes place before step (2), after step (2), or during step (2).
  • Steps (1 ) and (2) are considered to take place simultaneously if the probe and the analogue are in the same solution.
  • steps (1 ) and (2) are performed simultaneously by including the probe and the analogue in the same solution.
  • multiple probes for multiple target sequences are simultaneously hybridized.
  • probes for HbF mRNA and for human chromosome 21 are desirably included in the contacting step, and the reporter group on the probes for HbF mRNA is detectably different from the reporter group on the probes for chromosome 21.
  • the reporter group is a cyclic compound.
  • the cyclic group comprises an unsaturated bond.
  • the cyclic group is an aromatic compound (one or more benzene rings). It is preferred that, on a molar basis, the analogue is in excess as regards the reporter group; it is highly preferred that there be at least ten times as much analogue as reporter group.
  • analogue competes with the reporter group for non-specific binding sites.
  • aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) used in conjunction with a nucleic acid probe, an additional mechanism may involve
  • the analogue is selected so that it retains most or all of the structural features of the reporter group.
  • the analogue may additionally have structural features not present in the probe.
  • the analogue should be able to permeate a cell or virus.
  • the analogues that are aurin derivatives (rosolic acid derivatives)
  • it is preferred that the analogues have, in addition to ATA, a polar functional group such as a -CO 2 , -NH 2 , OH, or -SO 3 group, on an aromatic group; examples are chromoxane cyanine R and Chrome Azurol S.
  • a subgroup of preferred analogues are those that block the NH 2 groups on lysines. Fluorescent reporter groups are detected by allowing the reporter group to absorb energy and then emit some of the absorbed energy; the emitted energy is then detected.
  • Chemiluminescent reporter groups are detected by allowing them to enter into a reaction, e.g., an enzymatic reaction, that results in energy in the form of light being emitted.
  • reporter groups e.g., biotin
  • biotin are detected because they can bind to groups such as streptavidin which are bound, directly or indirectly, to enzymes, e.g., alkaline phosphatase or horseradish peroxidase that can catalyze a detectable reaction.
  • Fluorescent groups with which this process can be used include fluorescein (or FITC), coumarin, rhodamine, rhodamine derivatives including Texas Red, and phycoerythrin.
  • Chemiluminescent groups with which this process can be used include insoluminol (or 4-aminophthalhydrazide; see catalogs of Aldrich
  • step (4) comprises measuring light emitted at wavelengths between about 520 nm and 560 nm (especially at about 520 nm), most preferably where the absorption wavelengths of step (3) are less than 520 nm.
  • a preferred embodiment of the fluorimetric process further comprises a wash step between the steps numbered (2) and (3).
  • a wash step can be performed by centrifuging the cell out of the solution in which it is suspended, then suspending it in a wash solution, and then centrifuging it out of the wash solution.
  • a wash solution is generally a probe-free solution.
  • the solution that is used in step (2) comprises a probe (comprising a reporter group), an analogue of the reporter group, a free radical scavenger and a fixative.
  • a fluorescent probe that binds to a target molecule is preferably one which binds to that target with high specificity.
  • a fluorescent probe is fluorescent dye covalently attached to a nucleic acid molecule, antibody or other molecule capable of binding specifically to a target molecule.
  • an analogue is added to the cocktail, its preferred concentration is from 0.01 % to 0.5% w/v (especially about 0.05 to 0.01 %).
  • the invention is a kit for the detection of nucleic acids within a fetal cell in a specimen.
  • a kit may include the following:
  • a solution containing a fixation/hybridization cocktail and one or more labeled probes may contain 50 mM guanidinium isothiocyante, 25-40% formamide, 31% PEG, 0.4 M DTT, 15X Ficoll/PVP, 50 2 mM EDTA, 1 mg/ml salmon sperm DNA, 50 mM Tris-acetate (pH 7-8), about 5% Triton X-100, and about 20 / g/ml of a synthetic oligonucleotide probe directly labeled with a reporter molecule.
  • This solution and the probes would have measurable predefined and identified characteristics and reactivities with cells and target sequences; and
  • kit may also include:
  • Another aspect of the present invention provides a kit for the detection of fetal hemoglobin within a specimen, without removal of maternal blood cells.
  • a preferred version of this kit contains a means for detecting the HbF mRNA of fetal cells.
  • Wash Concentrate A also provided would be a Wash Concentrate A, Wash Concentrate B and Fetal Hemoglobin Assay Solution.
  • the concentrates mentioned herein are diluted in use to approximately the solution concentrations stated below in Exemplary Solutions.
  • kits to enrich and detect fetal cells within a blood specimen e.g. maternal or umbilical cord blood.
  • the kit may contain:
  • kit may contain:
  • One or more antibodies desirably bound to a solid support and preferably bound to magnetic beads, to positively or negatively concentrate fetal cells within the specimen, preferably including an anti- CD45 antibody for negative selection of fetal erythrocytes; and (2) Probes specific for fetal cell mRNA, to detect fetal cells; and
  • One or more reagents to prepare a density gradient that concentrates fetal cells may also be provided with means for detecting one or more target nucleic acid sequences within the fetal cells, by further including: (2) A second detectable reporter system which would react with the probe or the probe-target hybrid;
  • any mechanical components which may be necessary or useful to practice the present invention such as a solid support (e.g., a microscope slide), an apparatus to affix cells to said support, or a device to assist with any incubations or washings of the specimens; and
  • a photographic film or emulsion with which to record results of assays carried out with the present invention would optionally provide reagents and materials for use in an automated system for the performance of any of the methods of the present invention.
  • Table 1 contains the abbreviations and common names for various compounds and dyes mentioned herein.
  • PEG 4000 polyethylene glycol (ca. 4000 Mol. Wt.)
  • Texas Red Sulforhodamine 101 acid chloride [CAS# 82354-19-6] Direct Blue 53 Evans Blue [CAS # 314-13-6] -- Fluorescein isothiocyanate FITC
  • Cell Buffer A (as diluted for use): 0.8% BSA, 0.1 % dextrose, 0.1 % sodium azide in PBS.
  • Cell Buffer B (as diluted for use): 2% BSA, 0.1 % dextrose, 0.1 % sodium azide in PBS.
  • Fixation solution 4 volumes ethanol, 5 volumes of PBS, 1 volume of glacial acetic acid.
  • Hybridization cocktail 5 x SSC (0.75 M NaCl, 0.075 M sodium citrate); 30% formamide (v/v); 3% Triton X- 100 (v/v); 0.4 M guanidinium isothiocyanate; 0.16 M sodium phosphate (pH 6); 15 x Ficoll/PVP; 1 mg/ml sheared salmon or herring sperm DNA; 10 mM EDTA; 25 mM DTT; 31 % PEG 4000.
  • the temperature for the hybridization reaction is within the range of about 20°C and about 90°C, preferably about 37°C and about 85°C, and most preferably about 40°C and about 46°C.
  • wash Solution #1 has the following composition: 0.4 M guanidinium isothiocyanate; 0.1 % Triton X-100 (v/v); and 0.1 x SSC in deionized water.
  • Wash Solution #2 has the following composition: 0.1 % Triton X-100 (v/v) and 0.1 x SSC in deionized water.
  • SSC has the following composition: 0.15 M NaCl, 0.15 M sodium citrate, pH 7.0.
  • 2 x SSC is composed so that upon a 1 :1 dilution with water, SSC would be produced; 10 x SSC is composed so that upon a 1 :10 dilution with water, SSC would be produced.
  • PBS has the formula, 0.136 M NaCl, 0.003M KCI, 0.008M Na 2 HPO 4 - 7H 2 O, 0.001 M KH 2 PO 4 .
  • the probe may be dissolved in PBS, possibly supplemented with bovine serum albumin (BSA), while it is allowed to react with target cells, preferably at a temperature in the range 4°C to 34°C.
  • BSA bovine serum albumin
  • the cells need not be fixed (e.g., when the antibody target is a cell-surface antigen), or may be fixed after the probe-target incubation is completed, or may be fixed prior to or during the probe-target incubation.
  • the mounting solution may be 50% PBS/50% glycerol (v/v), 0.1 % 1 ,4-phenylenediamine (as an antifade) and 1 ⁇ g/ml of Hoechst 33258 or DAPI (dye). Probes
  • the probes may be DNA or RNA or synthetic analogues to DNA or RNA.
  • the probe is capable of binding to a complementary or mirror-image target cellular genetic sequence through one or more types of chemical bonds, usually through hydrogen bond formation.
  • the DNA or RNA probes may be composed of the bases adenosine, uridine, thymidine, guanine, cytosine, or any natural or artificial chemical derivatives thereof.
  • the phosphate backbone is linked via ribose or deoxyribose, or an analog or derivative thereof.
  • Nucleic acid probes can be prepared by a variety of methods known to those of skill in the art.
  • the probes may be oligonucleotides synthesized on an Applied Biosystems (A.B.I.) DNA synthesizer Model 380 using the recommended A.B.I, reagents.
  • an aminohexyl phosphate linker is desirably attached to the 5' end of the probes for the fetal-cell-specific marker, and preferably to both the 5' and 3' ends of the probes for the other sequences to be detected, e.g. chromosomal sequences.
  • the 5'- or 5', 3'- aminohexyl oligonucleotides are then respectively coupled to a selected dye and purified by HPLC.
  • fluorescence may be detected by visual microscopy.
  • Purified single-stranded DNA probes may alternatively be produced by the use of single-stranded phage M13 or plasmid derivatives of this phage, or by reverse transcription of a purified RNA template.
  • Detectable labels may be any molecule which may be detected. Commonly used detectable labels are radioactive labels including, but not limited to, 32 P, 14 C, 125 l, 3 H and 35 S.
  • Biotin labeled nucleotides can be incorporated into DNA or RNA by nick translation, enzymatic, or chemical means. The biotinylated probes are detected after hybridization using avidin/streptavidin, fluorescent, enzymatic or colloidal gold conjugates.
  • Nucleic acids may also be labeled with other fluorescent compounds, with immunodetectable fluorescent derivatives or with biotin analogues. Nucleic acids may also be labeled by means of attaching a protein.
  • Nucleic acids cross-linked to radioactive or fluorescent histone HI enzymes (alkaline phosphatase and peroxidases), or single-stranded binding (ssB) protein may also be used.
  • enzymes alkaline phosphatase and peroxidases
  • single-stranded binding (ssB) protein may also be used.
  • ssB single-stranded binding
  • Probes may be detectably labeled prior to addition to the hybridization solution. Alternatively, a detectable label may be selected which binds to the hybridization product. Probes may be labeled with any detectable group for use in practicing the invention. Such detectable group can be any material having a detectable physical or chemical property. Such detectable labels have been well- developed in the field of immunoassays, and in general, most any label useful in such methods can be applied to the present invention. Particularly useful are enzymatically active groups, such as enzymes (see Clin. Chem., 22:1243 (1976)), enzyme substrates (see British Patent Spec. 1 ,548,741 ), coenzymes (see U.S. Patents Nos. 4,230,797 and 4,238,565) and enzyme inhibitors (see U.S. Patent
  • the length of a probe affects its diffusion rate, the rate of hybrid formation, and the stability of hybrids.
  • small probes (15-200 bases, and preferably 15- 100, most preferably 15-30) yield the most sensitive, rapid and stable system.
  • a mixture of small probes as aforesaid which span the entire length of the target nucleic acid to be detected are desirably prepared. For example, if the target nucleic acid were 1000 bases long, up to about 40 "different" probes of 25 bases would be used in the hybrid solution to completely cover all regions of the target nucleic acid.
  • a particularly advantageous configuration of probes is to prepare a population of probes to a selected target sequence as follows: A first probe hybridizes to bases 1 to 25 of the sequence.
  • a second probe hybridizes to bases 31 to 55 of the sequence.
  • a third probe hybridizes to bases 61 to 85 of the sequence, and so on, wherein the beginning of each succeeding probe is spaced apart 5 bases from the end of the preceding probe. It has been found that such a configuration wherein 5 bases are skipped between each 25- mer probe provides optimal hybridization results and signal, when employed in hybridizations in accordance with the present invention.
  • the concentration of the probe affects several parameters of the in situ hybridization reaction. High concentrations are used to increase diffusion, to reduce the time of the hybridization reaction, and to saturate the available cellular sequences. To achieve rapid reaction rates while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios, probe concentrations of 0.005-100 ⁇ g/ml are preferable. Most preferable is use of probes at a concentration of about 0.01 //g/ml.
  • Among the genetic abnormalities that may be detected by the tests of the present invention are Down's Syndrome (trisomy 21 ), Turner's Syndrome (XO chromosomes), Klinefelter's Syndrome (XXY chromosomes), Edward's Syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau Syndrome (trisomy 13).
  • the oligodeoxynucleotides were synthesized (Applied Biosystems, Inc. DNA Synthesizer Model 380B) using the recommended A.B.I, reagents, and in the last stage an aminohexyl phosphate linker was attached to the 5' end.
  • the 5'-aminohexyl oligodeoxynucleotides were then coupled to a rhodamine dye from Molecular Probes, Inc. and purified by Waters HPLC using a baseline 810 chromatography work station. Hybridization For the hybridization procedure, the cells were deposited onto slides.
  • a hybridization cocktail consisting of 30% formamide, 5 x SSC, 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, 100 /g/ml low molecular weight, denatured, salmon or herring sperm DNA, 10% (v/v) Triton X-100, 10% DMSO, 15 x Ficoll/PVP, 0.4 M guanidinium isothiocyanate, 10 mM DTT, and 0.025 M EDTA and the probe, added at a concentration of 20 ⁇ g/ml. Denaturation and hybridization were carried out simultaneously by placing the slides in an incubator for 15 minutes at 85°C.
  • the first solution contained a probe for the X chromosome; the second, a probe for the Y chromosome; the third, a probe for chromosome 18. Washing
  • Washing of the slides after the hybridization reaction is essential to eliminate background due to non-specific binding of the probe.
  • Post-hybridization the slides were placed in a Coplin jar to which was added 100 ml of the Wash Solution #1. The solution was agitated and held in this solution for 2 minutes. This wash solution was removed and Wash Solution #2 was added. This second wash solution was agitated for 5 seconds and poured off. The washing procedure with Wash Solution #2 was repeated six times. Then 15 ⁇ of Mounting solution, containing 0.1 % 1 ,4-phenylenediamine (as an antifade) in 50% glycerol and 1 //g/ml Hoechst 33258 (counterstain dye) was added.
  • Fluorescence Detection Photomicrographs were taken on an Olympus BH10 microscope with fluorescence capabilities, using Kodak Ektachrome EES-135 (PS 800/1600) film, exposed, and push processed at 1600 ASA. A 30 to 60 second exposure time was consistently used, so that direct comparisons could be made between all photomicrographs taken.
  • Figure 1A a single point of fluorescence (a "dot") is visible in the nucleus of male amniocytes when the Y probe was used.
  • Figure 1 A the top panel is a photograph (40X magnification) of two Hoechst stained nuclei while the bottom panel is the fluorescent photograph (100X magnification) of these same two cells.
  • Figure 1 B shows a female amniocyte with 2 dots visible in the nuclei when the X probe was used: the top panel is a photograph of a Hoechst stained nuclei (40X magnification) while the bottom panel is the photograph of this same cell viewed with fluorescence (100X magnification).
  • Figure 1 C There are two dots in the nucleus when a probe for chromosome 18 was used ( Figure 1 C).
  • Figure 1 C the top panel is a photograph of a Hoechst stained nucleus, while the bottom is a fluorescent view.
  • the oligodeoxynucleotides were synthesized as aforesaid, and in the last stage, an aminohexyl phosphate linker was attached to the 5' end.
  • the 5'-aminohexyl oligodeoxynucleotide probes for each of the above chromosomes were each coupled to a different fluorescent dye as indicated in Table 3 above.
  • the fluorescent dyes were obtained from Molecular Probes, Inc. and purified by a Waters HPLC using a baseline 810 chromatography work station. Hybridization. Washing and Detection
  • the X chromosome probe was labeled with rhodamine while the Y chromosome probe was labeled with FITC, and both probes were added to the same hybridization cocktail and taken through the above procedure.
  • Figure 2A the top panel is a photograph of the Hoechst stained nucleus of an amniocyte and the bottom panel is a photograph of the fluorescence demonstrating one bright dot (X chromosome) and one bright dot (Y chromosome) in the nucleus.
  • Figure 2B is a photograph of three additional amniocytes as photographed in Figure 2A.
  • Figure 2C demonstrates the results obtained using this same hybridization cocktail and normal male peripheral blood mononuclear cells when the photograph is taken through a triple band (DAPI-FITC-rhodamine) filter set. This photograph again shows one bright dot and one bright dot for the X and Y chromosomes, respectively, on the Hoechst stained background.
  • Figure 2D is a photograph of a pseudo color representation of the cells in Figure 2C using an image analysis system (BioScan OptimasTM, Edmonds, Washington).
  • Chromosome-Specific Probes to Determine the Number of Chromosomes in Embryos Prepared for In Vitro Fertilization or in Fetal Cells Obtained From Chorionic Villi
  • Preparation of Cells Cells from non-viable embryos prepared for in vitro fertilization, cells from products of conception, and cells from chorionic villi, are accessed in a standard fashion, and deposited onto glass slides.
  • Preparation Of Probes Several 25-base synthetic oligonucleotide probes are prepared from each of the DNA sequences listed below in Table 4. Probe Fluorescent Designation Label
  • Alpha-centromeric repeat Alpha-centromeric repeat
  • Alpha-centromeric repeat Alpha-centromeric repeat
  • the oligodeoxynucleotides are synthesized, and in the last stage an aminohexyl phosphate linker is attached to the 5' and 3' ends.
  • the 5',3'-aminohexyl oligodeoxynucleotide probes for each of the above chromosomes are each coupled to a different fluorescent dye as indicated in Table 4 above.
  • the fluorescent dyes may be obtained from Molecular Probes, Inc. and purified by a Waters HPLC. Hybridization. Washing and Detection
  • dual- and triple-filter sets available from Chroma Tech, Inc., of Brattleboro, Vermont; and from Omega, Inc., of Brattleboro, Vermont may be used to allow the operator to photograph two or three different colors simultaneously (as demonstrated in Example 2 above).
  • a color tv camera may optionally be used.
  • a single probe may be detected within a single cell as by the procedure used in Example 1.
  • Two probes may be detected and viewed and photographed by the procedure used in Example 2.
  • Three or more may be detected if reporter molecules fluorescing at differently detectable wavelengths are used.
  • As many different probes may be differentiated as the number of different fluorescent dyes can be distinguished by the available light filter systems.
  • Isolated white blood cells from a pregnant woman are used in the following example.
  • the cells are washed with nuclease- free PBS and placed in a single cell suspension at a concentration that results in clearly separated cells.
  • the cells are spun down to a pellet and the supernatant decanted.
  • the cells are resuspended in 0.5% paraformaldehyde and left for 12-16 hours at 4°C. After fixation, the cells are spun to remove the paraformaldehyde and then washed once in PBS and resuspended in 2 x SSC. The cells are used immediately.
  • the genetic testing probes are oligodeoxynucleotides complementary to regions of human chromosomes X, Y, 13, 16, 18 and 21. The details of selection, preparation and labeling of these probes are included in Table 6 below.
  • the fetal cell identification probes (Table 6B) are accessed via the Genetic Sequence Data Bank, GenBank, version 69.0 and prepared from the following gene sequences:
  • the Fragile X condition is detected by the probe of SEQ ID NO :3:, which is further exemplified below in Example 14.
  • hybridization procedure For the hybridization procedure using the fetal cell identification probes, to pelleted cells is added 50 ⁇ of a hybridization cocktail consisting of 30% formamide, 5 x SSC, 0.16 M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, 1 ⁇ gl ⁇ sheared DNA, 3% (v/v) Triton X- 100, 5% PEG 4000, 25 mM DTT, 0.4 M guanidinium isothiocyanate, 15 x Ficoll/PVP, and the probe (a mixture of the fetal cell identification probes) added at a concentration of 2.5 ⁇ g/ml. Hybridizations are carried out in a humidified environment at 42°C for 30 minutes. Washing
  • the cells are placed in a 15-ml conical tube to which is added 10 ml of Wash Solution #1 .
  • the solution is agitated until the cells are a single-cell suspension and then spun at 250 x g for 5 minutes.
  • the supernatant is removed and 10 ml of Wash Solution #2 is added to the pellet.
  • the second wash solution is agitated until the cells are a single-cell suspension.
  • the cells are again spun at 250 x g for 5 minutes.
  • the supernatant is removed and the cell pellet resuspended in 0.2 ml of a counterstain solution of PBS containing 0.0025% Evans Blue.
  • the cells are analyzed on a Epics Elite sorting flow cytometer (Coulter Instruments).
  • the instrument uses a 488 nm argon laser, a 525 nm band pass for FL1 and a 635 nm long pass filter for the counterstain.
  • the sample containing the negative probe is analyzed first and the quad-stats are set so that less than 0.05% of the cells fall in the upper-right quadrant.
  • the sample hybridized with the positive probe is analyzed under the same parameters as the sample sorted with the negative probe. Cells that fall in the upper right quadrant are collected and are hybridized to determine fetal genetic characteristics.
  • NR is used as a negative control probe while the fetal cell identification probes are the positive probes, and would identify the fetal cells that circulate in maternal blood.
  • the fetal cells would, in turn, be "sorted” as described above then deposited onto glass slides.
  • the fetal cells would then be analyzed with the genetic testing probes as described in Examples 1 and 2.
  • SEQ ID NO:4 is a 443- nucleotide sequence of three fragments taken from GenBank for the HUMGLBN gene.
  • Bases 1 to 91 of SEQ ID NO:4: are from 2179 to 2269 of HUMGLBN.
  • Bases 92 to 314 of SEQ ID NO:4: are from 2393 to 2615 of HUMGLBN.
  • Bases 315 to 443 are from 3502 to 3630 of HUMGLBN.
  • the population of DNA probes complementary to the target mRNA that is transcribed in the cell from SEQ ID NO:4: is prepared in accordance with the teachings herein.
  • sequences of the members of the population of probes are provided as SEQ ID NO:5: through SEQ ID NO:
  • each of which is a 25-mer oligonucleotide of DNA which is complementary to the mRNA target, which is transcribed from the genetic locus named above and more specifically exemplified as SEQ ID NO:4:.
  • Each such probe is synthesized and labelled at 5' with FITC as described herein.
  • Figure 5 is a photomicrograph showing fetal nucleated red blood cells enriched within a maternal peripheral blood sample prepared in accordance with the procedure of Figure 3 and hybridized to the probe population described above.
  • Cells with gray nuclei and distinctive morphology are fetal nucleated red blood cells.
  • - Cells lacking nuclei are fetal erythrocytes or fetal reticulocytes which still contain fetal hemoglobin mRNA.
  • RNAs to Increase Specificity of Fetal Cell Identification
  • fetal cells express two or more particular RNAs in the same cell while maternal cells from the same specimen source do not contain both RNA species in the same cell.
  • Multiple mRNA or hnRNA species are detected simultaneously in the same cell when only the unique set of RNAs is present, so that a specific signal is detected, which uniquely identifies fetal cells.
  • cells in suspension Prior to use, cells in suspension are washed with chilled PBS and mixed thoroughly to ensure a single-cell suspension.
  • RNAs which is targeted is human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and transferrin receptor (TR).
  • HCG human chorionic gonadotropin
  • TR transferrin receptor
  • HCG human chorionic gonadotropin
  • the cells which normally express these genes do not circulate in the bloodstream, and no single type of maternal cell expresses both of the genes.
  • fetal trophoblasts express both of these genes simultaneously in the same cell.
  • One or more 25-mer oligonucleotide DNA probes for the sequences for HCG identified in Table 6B is prepared and labeled with fluorescein.
  • One or more 25-mer oligonucleotide DNA probes for the sequence for TR identified in Table 6B is prepared, labeled with rhodamine.
  • a sample of maternal peripheral blood is washed with chilled PBS and mixed thorougly to ensure a single-cell suspension placed as a smear on a microscope slide.
  • a hybridization is performed
  • the signal produced in the fetal trophoblast cells is an additive combination of the green from fluorescein and the red from rhodamine, to yield a 2x signal, which appears yellow-orange.
  • the H9 cell line (ATCC No. 8543) is used in the following experiment. Cultured cells are washed with nuclease-free PBS and placed in a single-cell suspension at a concentration that results in clearly separated cells. The cells are spun down to a pellet and the supernatant decanted. The cells are resuspended in 40% ethanol, 50% PBS, and 10% glacial acetic acid. The cells are used immediately.
  • the aforementioned HIV sequences are cut into 30-base oligonucleotides and synthesized as phosphorothioate oligonucleotides using DNA synthesizers (Applied Biosystem DNA Synthesizer, Model 380B) and using the recommended A.B.I, reagents.
  • the polysulfurized oligonucleotides are then coupled to a fluorescent dye and purified by column chromatography and HPLC.
  • a 30-base oligonucleotide from the nitrogen reductase gene serves as the negative control probe.
  • hybridization procedure to pelleted cells is added 50 ⁇ of an hybridization cocktail consisting of 30% formamide, 5 x SSC, 0.16 M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, 1 ⁇ g/ ⁇ sheared DNA, 3% (v/v) Triton X-100, 5% PEG 4000, 25 mM DTT, 0.4 M guanidinium isothiocyanate, 15 x Ficoll/PVP, and the probe added at a concentration of 2.5 ⁇ g/ml. Hybridizations are carried out in a humidified environment at 42°C for 30 minutes. Washing
  • the cells are placed in a 15 ml conical tube to which is added 10 ml of a wash solution, consisting of 0.1 x SSC, 0.4 M guanidinium isothiocyanate, and 0.1 % Triton X-100 (Wash Solution #1 ) at a temperature of 42°C.
  • a wash solution consisting of 0.1 x SSC, 0.4 M guanidinium isothiocyanate, and 0.1 % Triton X-100 (Wash Solution #1 ) at a temperature of 42°C.
  • the solution is agitated until the cells are a single-cell suspension and then spun at 250 g for 5 minutes.
  • the supernatant is removed and to the pellet is added 10 ml of Wash Solution #2 at a temperature of 42°C.
  • the solution is agitated until the cells are a single cell suspension.
  • the cells are spun at 250 x g for 5 minutes.
  • the instrument uses a 5-watt argon laser coupled to a dye head, a 525 nm band pass filter for FL1 and a 584 nm band pass filter for the Rhodamine.
  • the sample containing the negative probe is analyzed first and the guad-stats are set so that less than 0.01 % of the cells fall in the upper-right quadrant or lower-right quadrant.
  • the sample treated with the HIV probes is analyzed under the same parameters as the sample analyzed with the negative probe. Since the quad-stats are set correctly and the two samples have been handled identically, any number of cells (above 0.01 %) recorded in the upper right quadrant are scored as positive for both strands and/or mRNA. Any number of cells (above 0.01 %) that are recorded in the lower right quadrant are scored positive for DNA only.
  • Percoll Stock and gradient solution was prepared in adherence to the manufacturer's (Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden) recommendations by mixing 9 parts of Percoll with 1 part 1.5 M NaCl.
  • the density gradient Percoll solutions were prepared according to Table 8.
  • maternal blood cells were desirably fractionated into several bands using a four-layer Percoll discontinuous density gradient (Tube A, B). Bands 1 and 2 from the top of Tube B were withdrawn and then added to PBS (Tube C) and centrifuged for
  • the procedure was the same as the direct method (described above), except the cells were first incubated in a 1 :200 dilution of anti-human cytokeratin (CAM 5.2 from Becton Dickinson Catalogue No. 92-0005) in buffer A/FCS for 40 minutes and washed free of the primary antibody. The cells were then labeled with the secondary antibody tagged with FITC (anti-mouse IgG + IgM from goat); (Boehringer Mannheim Biochemicals Catalog No. 605-25) for 30 minutes and washed from the residual antibody as described above. The cells were scored as above.
  • the Y chromosome probes were synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides complementary to regions of human chromosome Y. The details regarding the preparation and labeling of these probes are included in Example 1 and in Table 2. Hybridization
  • a hybridization cocktail was added to the slide.
  • the cocktail contained PEG, 25% formamide, 5 SSC, 1 mg/ml salmon sperm DNA, 15x Ficoll/PVP, 0.4M guanidinium isothiocyanate, 50 mM DTT, 5% Triton X-100, 50 mM EDTA, 50 mM Na 2 PO 4 , and the Y chromosome probe at a concentration of 20 ,t/g/ml.
  • a coverslip was applied and the slide was incubated at 85 °C for 15 minutes in an incubator. Washing After hybridization, the slides were placed in a Coplin jar to which was added 100 ml of Wash Solution #1. The jar was agitated until the coverslip fell off, and the slide was held in this solution for 2 minutes. This wash solution was removed and Wash Solution #2 was added. This second wash solution was agitated for 1 minute and poured off, and this last wash was repeated 6 times.
  • Figure 7 shows a cytokeratin-stained fetal cell (brightly stained cytoplasm) within maternal peripheral blood.
  • the cell has one Y chromosome within its nucleus that has stained positive following hybridization with the rhodamine labeled Y chromosome probe.
  • EXAMPLE 7 isolation of Trophoblasts from Placenta and Detection of Chromosomes X, Y and 18 Within Their Nuclei Trophoblasts were isolated from term placental tissue by a modified procedure of Wang et. al., American Journal of Reproductive Immunology 16:8-14 (1988).
  • the trophoblasts were then fixed with 75% chilled ethanol, stained with anti-cytokeratin antibodies as described above (Example 6) and subsequently hybridized to Y, X and 18 chromosome- specific probes also as described above in Example 6.
  • the origin of the probes for chromosome X, Y and 18 was described in Example 1.
  • the DNA probes were all labeled with a rhodamine derivative as described in Example 1.
  • Figure 8A shows the results with the X-chromosome probe; 8B, the Y-chromosome probe; and 8C, the chromosome-18- specific probe.
  • the cytoplasm is stained strongly with the FITC labeled anticytokeratin antibody.
  • the nuclei in 8A and 8B contain strong single points of light indicating the presence of single X and Y chromosomes.
  • the nuclei in 8C contain two strong points of light indicating the presence of two chromosomes I8s.
  • EXAMPLE 8 Use of Fetal-Cell-Specific DNA Probes to Detect Fetal-Cell-Specific mRNA in Cells Obtained from Amniotic Fluid and/or Placenta
  • the fetal cell identification probes were accessed via the Genetic Sequence Data Bank, GenBank, version 69.0 and prepared from the following gene sequences in Table 9:
  • hybridization procedure 20 ⁇ of a hybridization cocktail was added to each slide.
  • the cocktail consisted of 31 % PEG, 25% formamide, 5 x SSC, 1 mg/ml salmon sperm DNA, 15 x Ficoll/PVP, 0.4M guanidinium isothiocyanate, 50 mM DTT, 5% Triton X-100, 50 mM EDTA, 50 mM Na 2 PO 4 , and probe at a concentration of 20 g/ml.
  • a coverslip was applied to each slide and was incubated for 30 minutes at 42°C. Washing
  • the bright light in color photographs, it is orange
  • the unstained cells in the photos in color photographs, it is a red color due to the counterstain
  • the HIV probes were hybridized to these amniocytes and trophoblasts and there was no bright hybridization signal. All of the fetal cell identification probes as well as the
  • HIV probes were used in separate hybridization experiments using normal white blood cells and these cells had no bright hybridization signal indicating that they were all appropriately negative.
  • Figure 9A shows the results when using the cytokeratin probes to analyze amniocytes (top panel) and trophoblasts (bottom panel).
  • Figure 9B shows the results when using the HCG probes to analyze amniocytes (top panel) and trophoblasts (bottom panel).
  • Figure 9C shows the results when using the ⁇ -fetoprotein probes to analyze amniocytes (top panel) and trophoblasts (bottom panel).
  • Placental trophoblasts were isolated from term placenta and were fixed in 75% chilled ethanol as described in Example 2. The fixed cells were stained with anti-cytokeratin and isotope-control antibodies, both labeled with FITC as stated in Example 6 and analyzed by flow cytometry. Flow Cytometer Use and Interpretation
  • the cells were analyzed on a Profile II system (Coulter Instruments).
  • the instrument uses a 488 nm argon laser, a 525 nm band pass filter for FL1.
  • the sample containing the isotope control antibody was analyzed first and the quad-stats were set so that less than 0.2% of the cells fell in the upper-right quadrant.
  • the sample challenged with the anti- cytokeratin antibody was analyzed under the same parameters as the sample challenged with the isotope-control antibody. Since the quad- stats had been set correctly and the two samples had been handled identically, the amount of cells above 0.2% that were recorded in the upper right quadrant were scored as positive.
  • EXAMPLE 10 Use of HIV DNA Probes to Detect HIV mRNA in Placental Fetal Trophoblasts or Amniocytes Preparation of Cells
  • Trophoblasts are isolated from term placental tissue by a modified procedure as described in Example 7. Amniocytes are obtained through amniocentesis. The H9 HIV cell line and peripheral blood polymorphonuclear cells served as positive and negative controls, respectively. These cells are washed with nuclease-free PBS and are placed in a single-cell suspension at a concentration resulting in clearly separated cells. The cells are spun down to a pellet and the supernatant decanted. The cells are resuspended in 0.5 % paraformaldehyde and left for 12-16 hours at 4°C. After fixation, the cells are spun to remove the fixative and then washed once in PBS and resuspended in 2 x SSC. The cells are used immediately.
  • a negative control probe sequences for human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 and HPV type 18 (Table 10) were obtained from the published sequences and were accessed via the Genetic Sequence Data Bank, GenBank, version 69.0.
  • HPV probes (10 for HPV type 16 and 10 for type HPV 18) and 180 HIV probes are synthesized by cutting the HIV sequences into several 39-base oligonucleotides and synthesized as phosphorothioate oligonucleotides using DNA synthesizers (Applied Biosystems DNA Synthesizer, Model 380B) and using the recommended A.B.I, reagents. The phosphorothioate oligonucleotides are then coupled to FITC and purified by column chromatography and HPLC. Hybridization
  • DNA 3% (v/v) Triton X-100, 5% PEG 4000, 25 mM DTT, 0.4M guanidinium isothiocyanate, 15 x Ficoll/PVP, and the probe added at a concentration of 2.5 /g/ml.
  • Hybridizations were carried out in a humidified environment at 42°C for 30 minutes.
  • the cells were placed in a 15 ml conical tube to which was added 10 ml of Wash Solution #1 (heated to 42 °C). The solution was agitated until the cells were a single-cell suspension and then spun at 250 g for 5 minutes. The supernatant was removed and to the pellet was added 10 ml of Wash Solution #2 (heated to 42 °C). The second wash solution was agitated until the cells were a single-cell suspension. The cells were spun at 250 x g for
  • the cells were analyzed on a Profile II system as aforesaid.
  • the instrument uses a 488 nm argon laser, a 525 nm band pass filter for FL1 and a 635 nm band pass filter for the counterstain.
  • the sample containing the negative probe was analyzed first and the quad-stats were set so that less than 0.01 % of the cells fell in the upper-right quadrant.
  • the sample analyzed with the positive probe was analyzed under the exact same parameters as the sample analyzed with the negative probe. Since the quad-stats had been set correctly and the two samples had been handled identically, cells (above 0.01 %) recorded in the upper right quadrant were scored as positive.
  • a preferred embodiment of the present invention employs oligonucleotide probes that are labeled with multiple reporter moieties, such as fluorescent moieties.
  • This Example describes the preparation of such probes.
  • Two hundred ⁇ g of dried oligonucleotide is dissolved in 100 ⁇ of 250 mM Tris buffer pH 7.4, to form a first solution.
  • One mg of iodoacetamido-fluorescein is combined with 100 ⁇ of dry DMF to create a 200- ⁇ l reaction mixture.
  • the two solutions are mixed together and shaken overnight. This results in an oligonucleotide to acetamido-fluorescein ratio of 1 :5 in the reaction mixture.
  • One mg of iodoacetamido-fluorescein is again combined with 100 ⁇ of DMF, and this 100 ⁇ is combined with the 200 ⁇ of reaction mixture.
  • Another 100 ⁇ of 250 mM Tris buffer is added to the 400 ⁇ of reaction mixture and the reaction is allowed to continue for another 6 hours.
  • the labeled oligonucleotide is precipitated with ethanol and 3 M sodium acetate. This crude material is then loaded on to a PD-10 column to remove free dye. The desired fractions are collected. The liquid phase is then removed under vacuum. The crude material is then purified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
  • HPLC high performance liquid chromatography
  • EXAMPLE 12 Probes for Both Strands of a DNA Target
  • the procedure of the Examples above may be modified as follows: (1 ) Four hundred sixteen (416) separate probes (208 for type 16 and 208 for type 18) each designed as 30-bases in length, are synthesized. However, in addition to making probes corresponding to those 416 separate oligonucleotides that together comprise probes for one strand of each of the two HPV targets, one also makes 416 additional oligonucleotide probes for the second strand of both of the two HPV targets. The probes for the first strand will be "out of phase" relative to the second strand probes as regards how they map on a map of the HPV genome. As a result, one-half (15 nucleotides) of each first strand probe will be complementary (in nucleotide sequence) to one-half of one second strand probe and the other half
  • first strand probe (15 nucleotides) of that first strand probe will be complementary to a portion of another second strand probe. Staggering of the probes means that, because of the shortness of the overlap (10 nucleotides), probes of the first strand will not hybridize significantly to probes of the second strand. On the other hand, about twice as much hybridization is detected as compared to the situation where only probes corresponding to one strand are used.
  • Probes are made as phosphorothioate oligonucleotides, each 30-mer having four sulfur atoms, using an Applied Biosystem (ABI) DNA Synthesizer, Model 380B and the recommended A.B.I, reagents.
  • the sulfur atoms are located as follows: one is at the extreme 5' end of the probe, a second is between the 7th and 8th nucleosides (counting from the 5' end), the third is between the 22nd and 23rd nucleosides, and the fourth is between the 29th and 30th nucleosides.
  • the sulfur atoms of the polysulfurized oligonucleotides are then coupled to a fluorescent dye, iodoacetamido-fluorescein, as follows (smaller amounts can be synthesized by adjusting the volumes): 200 ⁇ g of dried oligonucleotide is dissolved in 100 ⁇ of 250 mM Tris buffer, pH 7.4 to form a first solution. Then 1 mg of iodoacetamido-fluorescein is combined with 100 ⁇ of dry dimethylformamide (i.e., 100 percent DMF) in a second solution. The two solutions are mixed together and shaken overnight.
  • a fluorescent dye iodoacetamido-fluorescein
  • the labeled oligonucleotide is precipitated with ethanol and 3 M sodium acetate. This crude material is then loaded on to a PD-10 column to remove free dye. The desired fractions are then collected. The liquid phase is then removed under vacuum. The crude material is then purified with HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography).
  • Negative control probes are constructed in analogy to steps (1 ) and (2).
  • the hybridization cocktail is modified as follows:
  • solution B is dodecyl alcohol.
  • oligodeoxynucleotides are synthesized and labeled as described in Example 1. Hybridization
  • the cells are deposited onto slides. 20 to 25 ⁇ of a hybridization cocktail consisting of 31 % PEG, 30% formamide, 5x SSC, 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, 100 //g/ml low molecular weight, denatured, salmon or herring sperm DNA, 10% (v/v) Triton X-100, 10% DMSO, 15 x Ficoll/PVP, 0.4 M guanidinium isothiocyanate, 10 mM DTT, and 0.025 M EDTA and the probe added at a concentration of 20 ⁇ g/ml is applied.
  • a hybridization cocktail consisting of 31 % PEG, 30% formamide, 5x SSC, 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, 100 //g/ml low molecular weight, denatured, salmon or herring sperm DNA, 10% (v/v) Triton X-100, 10% DMSO, 15 x Ficoll/PVP, 0.4 M guanidinium isothi
  • a coverslip is applied and the slide is heated to 95 °C for 5 minutes, allowed to cool to 42°C. and incubated for 25 minutes at that temperature. Washing and Detection
  • Chronic myelogenous leukemia is associated with a characteristic chromosomal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, resulting in the so-called Philadelphia Chromosome, 22q + .
  • Philadelphia Chromosome 22q + .
  • the probes for the bcr gene are prepared such that they span the break point cluster region to include both the 5' and the 3' ends of the gene, when a translocation occurs there are three points of light ("dots") within the cell.
  • dots three points of light
  • One bright dot would represent the unaffected chromosome and two less intense dots would represent the un-translocated 5' bcr gene while the second less intense dot would represent that 3' end of the bcr gene that translocated to Chromosome 9.
  • sequences from the c-abl gene that translocate to Chromosome 22 are accessed and prepared as described above. These sequences are labeled with a second fluorescent moiety and added to the hybridization solution. Now when a translocation occurs, one positive signal (representing the 5' end of the bcr gene still on Chromosome 22) would appear in one color (e.g., green) and adjacent to another positive signal (representing the c-abl gene that translocated to Chromosome 22) which would appear in a second color (e.g., red).
  • NO:3 is synthesized and labeled as described in Example 1 . Hybridization. Washing and Detection
  • Hybridization, washing and detection are done as described in Examples 1 and 13.
  • the Fragile X syndrome is caused by mutations that increase the size of a specific DNA fragment (containing a lengthy
  • this signal is quantified and compared to normal controls to determine whether or not a Fragile X chromosome, i.e., an amplification of CGG, is present.
  • image analysis systems include, for example: ACAS 570 from Meridian Instruments, Okemos, Ml; and instruments from Perseptive Systems, Inc., League City, TX; and
  • EXAMPLE 15 Concentration of Fetal Nucleated Red Blood Cells Within Maternal Blood Using Direct Negative Selection Method
  • a sample consisting of 20 ml of maternal peripheral blood is diluted to 35 ml with buffer solution A and overlaid on top of 15 ml Histopaque-1083 in a 50-ml conical tube.
  • the tube is centrifuged at 700 x g for 30 minutes, and the interphase layer is collected into a fresh 50-ml conical tube, the volume then being brought up to 40 ml with buffer A.
  • the conical tube is then centrifuged for 10 minutes at
  • the cell pellet is re-suspended in 1 ml of buffer solution B and mixed with pre-washed immunomagnetic beads coated with anti-CD45.
  • the bead/cell mixture is allowed to react for 10 minutes, during which the unwanted leucocytes are reacted to the beads while nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) stay in the solution.
  • a magnetic particle concentrator is applied to the side of the reaction tube. The magnetic beads and material complexed thereto collect on the side of the reaction tube adjacent to the magnet.
  • the supernatant fluid, containing NRBCs is then poured off, cytospun, fixed for 5 minutes in 80% ethanol and used for in situ hybridization.
  • Example 15 The procedure of Example 15 is performed, but with the following modification: Instead of using immunomagnetic beads coated with anti-CD45, a cocktail containing immunomagnetic beads coated with monoclonal antibodies against various components of maternal blood (but not fetal erythrocytes) is used to effectively remove the non-fetal cells as well as platelets from the specimen, leaving behind the fetal target cells.
  • a cocktail containing immunomagnetic beads coated with monoclonal antibodies against various components of maternal blood but not fetal erythrocytes
  • Buffer Solution B Prepare a control slide by cytospinning 50 ⁇ of this cell suspension and fixing by dipping slide in 3: 1 ethanol/methanol. Prepare a test slide by removing a sample of 1 x 10 6 cells from the aforesaid buffy coat resuspension and adding 20 ⁇ g of the antibody to be tested, coupled to magnetic beads. Prepare the cells as described in Example 6. Perform microscopic examination of slides as in Example 6 and determine the ratio of fetal nucleated red blood cells to total cells on each slide. If the ratio for the test slide is between 75% and 125% of the corresponding ratio for the control slide, the antibody is considered acceptable. For example, an acceptable result would be a control slide having 5 NRBCs per 10,000 cells and the corresponding test slide having 4 NRBCs per 10,000 cells.
  • a 20-ml sample of maternal peripheral blood is diluted to 36 ml with buffer solution A and overlaid on the top of 15 ml of Histopaque 1083 in a 50-ml conical tube.
  • the tube is centrifuged at 700 x g for 30 minutes, and the interphase layer (buffy coat) is collected into a fresh conical tube. The volume is then brought up to
  • the monoclonal antibody is anti- CD45 or a mixture of monoclonal antibodies selected from the group consisting of anti-CD45, anti-CD34, anti-CD12, anti-CD31 , and anti-
  • CD44 in a 1-ml reaction volume.
  • the cells are allowed to react with the antibody for 30 minutes at 4°C.
  • the mixture is then microcentrifuged at 500 rpm for 5 minutes, and the supernatant is aspirated off.
  • the cell pellet is washed with 1400 ml of the reaction buffer (buffer solution A), and the pellet is re-suspended in 1 ml buffer solution B.
  • the cell suspension is then mixed with pre-washed bends coated with sheep anti-mouse IgG, and the mixture is allowed to react for 10 minutes during which most of the non-wanted cells (leucocytes and erthyrocytes) react with the beads, forming cell/bead complexes.
  • Slides prepared in accordance with Examples 15, 16 and 17 are hybridized on slides in a single step using probes for fetal hemoglobin mRNA as in Example 3 and probes for human chrosomes as in Example 4.
  • Figure 10 shows a fetal nucleated red blood cell that was hybridized simultaneously to DNA probes specific to fetal hemoglobin mRNA as described in Example 4, part B and to probes for human chromosomes X and Y as described in Example 4, part A.
  • the greenish cytoplasm indicates that the cell is a fetal nucleated red blood cell, due to signal from fluorescein-labeled probe for HbF mRNA.
  • the green dot within the nucleus is a signal for X chromosome, from fluorescein-labeled probes for X.
  • the red dot within the nucleus is a signal for Y chromosome, from rhodamine-labeled probes for Y.
  • EXAMPLE 19 Detection of Fetal Nucleated Red Blood Cells Enriched From Maternal Blood Using Indirect Immunofluorescence Techniques
  • An alternative procedure for detecting fetal cells is to perform the procedure of Example 18, modified as follows: Instead of using DNA probes to fetal hemoglobin mRNA, monoclonal antibody against fetal hemoglobin protein (Accurate Chemical, cat. no. IRXG- 1 1 149) is used. Enriched cells are fixed in 2% paraformaldehyde for two hours, washed free of fixative and reacted with a 1 : 100 dilution of anti-HbF antibody for 30 min.
  • the amount of antibody added is 2- 20 ⁇ g per million fetal erythrocyte cells in the sample.
  • the excess antibody is removed by washing the cells twice with PBS. Next the cells are stained for 30 min. with a 1 :100 dilution of a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the anti-HbF antibody (Euro-Path,
  • Maternal blood specimens are treated with 0.075 M KCI for 15 min at 37°C. This treatment selectively lyses maternal erythrocytes, leaving intact all nucleated cells present in the sample.
  • the lysate is then contacted with beads coated with anti-CD45 or, more generally, with one or more antibodies against cell surface antigens of maternal blood cells.
  • the mixture is allowed to react.
  • the beads along with cells ligated thereto are then removed from the mixture with a magnetic particle collector.
  • the remaining liquid containing primarily fetal nucleated erythrocytes, is used to make cytospun slides as described hereinabove. This procedure may be performed entirely in an automated device.
  • ADDRESSEE James F. Weiler, Attorney-at-Law
  • B STREET: One Riverway, Suite 1560
  • MOLECULE TYPE DNA (genomic)
  • HYPOTHETICAL NO
  • ANTI-SENSE NO
  • MOLECULE TYPE DNA (genomic)
  • HYPOTHETICAL N
  • SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION SEQ ID NO:4:
  • MOLECULE TYPE cDNA to mRNA
  • HYPOTHETICAL N
  • SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION SEQ ID NO:6:
  • MOLECULE TYPE cDNA to mRNA
  • HYPOTHETICAL N
  • SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION SEQ ID NO:8:
  • MOLECULE TYPE cDNA to mRNA
  • HYPOTHETICAL N
  • MOLECULE TYPE cDNA to mRNA
  • HYPOTHETICAL N
  • MOLECULE TYPE cDNA to mRNA
  • HYPOTHETICAL N
  • SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION SEQ ID NO:14: TCCCAAGGAA GTCAGCACCT TCTTG 25
  • MOLECULE TYPE CDNA to mRNA
  • HYPOTHETICAL N
  • SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION SEQ ID NO:15: CCATGTGCCT TGACTTTGGG GTTGC 25
  • MOLECULE TYPE cDNA to mRNA
  • HYPOTHETICAL N
  • SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION SEQ ID NO:16: CCATGATGGC AGAGGCAGAG GACAG 25
  • MOLECULE TYPE cDNA to mRNA
  • HYPOTHETICAL N
  • SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION SEQ ID NO:17:
  • MOLECULE TYPE cDNA to mRNA
  • HYPOTHETICAL N
  • SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION SEQ ID NO:19:

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Abstract

Afin d'effectuer des essais d'hybridation in situ permettant de déterminer le sexe de foetus, de détecter des caractéristiques ou des anomalies génétiques ou des agents infectieux, ou d'identifier d'autres propriétés chimiques, biochimiques ou génétiques par hybridation d'acide nucléique des cellules foetales, ces cellules, en circulation dans le sang maternel, sont enrichies, détectées et analysées. Les techniques décrites permettent de détecter une seule anomalie génétique dans une seule cellule, comprenant au minimum environ 75 paires de bases, par un examen microscopique visuel. Les anomalies génétiques peuvent comprendre des délétions, des additions, des amplifications, des translocations ou des recombinaisons. On peut également détecter simultanément plusieurs anomalies, que l'on peut différencier visuellement par une coloration différente. On peut obtenir ces cellules par amniocentèse, par biopsie de trophoblaste, ou à partir d'embryons résultant d'une fécondation in vitro ou de produits de la conception, mais de préférence à partir du sang périphérique maternel. Des cellules foetales telles que les lymphocytes, les érythrocytes ou les trophoblastes peuvent être enrichies à partir du sang maternel. On peut enrichir les érythrocytes en enlevant les leucocytes maternels à l'aide d'un anticorps immobilisé contre un antigène de la surface cellulaire, par exemple le CD45. On peut enrichir les cellules foetales par centrifugation à gradient de densité. On distingue les cellules foetales des cellules maternelles par coloration, par exemple à l'aide d'un anticorps marqué contre la cytokératine ou contre l'hémoglobine foetale ou pour l'hémoglobine foetale par hématoxyline/éosine, ou par hybridation in situ, afin de détecter un ou plusieurs ARNm foetaux, par exemple l'hémoglobine foetale ou la foetoprotéine. On décrit des trousses permettant la mise en oeuvre des procédés décrits.
EP93917297A 1992-07-17 1993-07-19 Enrichissement et identification de cellules foetales dans le sang maternel pour l'hybridation in situ Withdrawn EP0662152A1 (fr)

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US91596592A 1992-07-17 1992-07-17
US915965 1992-07-17
PCT/US1993/006828 WO1994002646A1 (fr) 1992-07-17 1993-07-19 Enrichissement et identification de cellules foetales dans le sang maternel pour l'hybridation in situ

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EP (1) EP0662152A1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH07509136A (fr)
AU (1) AU4685593A (fr)
BR (1) BR9306867A (fr)
CA (1) CA2140278C (fr)
WO (1) WO1994002646A1 (fr)

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BR9306867A (pt) 1998-12-08
WO1994002646A1 (fr) 1994-02-03
JPH07509136A (ja) 1995-10-12
AU4685593A (en) 1994-02-14
CA2140278C (fr) 2009-03-17

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