Detection of gamma‐globin mRNA in fetal nucleated red blood cells by PNA fluorescence in situ hybridization

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Abstract
Objectives: Fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) that enter the peripheral blood of the mother are suitable for non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis. The application of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes for tyramide amplified flow fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) detection of gamma‐globin mRNA in fixed fetal NRBC is investigated.Methods: Hemin‐induced K562 cells or nucleated blood cells (NBC) from male cord blood were mixed with NBC from non‐pregnant women and analysed using both slide and flow FISH protocols. Post‐chorionic villus sampling (CVS) blood samples from pregnant females carrying male fetuses were flow‐sorted (2 × 106 NBC/sample). Y chromosome–specific PNA FISH was used to confirm that the identified gamma‐globin mRNA stained cells were of fetal origin.Results: Flow FISH isolated gamma‐globin mRNA positive NBCs showing characteristic cytoplasmic staining were all Y positive. The amplification system generated a population of false positive cells that were, however, easy to distinguish from the NRBCs in the microscope.Conclusion: The gamma‐globin mRNA specific PNA probes can be used for detection and isolation of fetal NRBCs from maternal blood. The method has additional potential for the study of gamma‐globin mRNA levels or the frequency of adult NRBC (F cells) in patients with hemoglobinopathies. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.