Presence of Fetal RNA in Maternal Plasma

Abstract
The discovery of fetal DNA in maternal plasma ( 1) has opened up a new horizon on prenatal molecular diagnosis. Many groups have since shown that fetal genetic traits, such as RhD status and inherited genetic diseases, can be determined from fetal DNA in maternal plasma ( 2)( 3)( 4)( 5). However, it is not known whether fetal RNA is also present in maternal plasma. Here, using a two-step reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assay, we demonstrate the presence of fetal-derived, male-specific mRNA in plasma of pregnant women carrying male fetuses.