The GOPEC DNA resource includes the families of over 1000 women whose pregnancies were affected by pre-eclampsia. A further 160 women who had uncomplicated pregnancies volunteered to provide samples which act as a reference, or control, group. This collection is internationally recognised as a highly valuable resource for studying the genetics of pre-eclampsia. Researchers in the GOPEC consortium are seeking to build on the successful completion of the first phase of genetic studies.
Further studies of genes likely to be involved in pre-eclampsia, known as candidate genes, are planned. Two areas are of particular interest:
- Genes which are involved in the formation of the placenta.
- Genes which regulate the response to inflammation.
There is good evidence that in many women with pre-eclampsia the baby’s tissues in the placenta do not mesh adequately with the mother’s blood vessels. This may result in poor delivery of nutrients to the baby, leading to low birthweight. It may also trigger an inflammatory reaction in the mother which leads to high blood pressure and loss of protein in the urine.
Genomewide scanning is a technique where all 25,000 human genes are screened. When the advanced technology which enables researchers to undertake this task has been fully tested, genomewide screening of the GOPEC samples will take place.
International collaboration is key to the successful identification of genes which influence the risk of a pre-eclamptic pregnancy. GOPEC is collaborating with a number of research groups in Europe and America. Sharing protocols and procedures makes it possible to replicate experiments in different centres, to ensure the accuracy of the results of genetic studies.
Follow-up studies of women and their babies who took part in GOPEC are planned, to determine whether pre-eclampsia has any long-term effects. Many GOPEC participants have already indicated their willingness to be approached by researchers for follow-up studies. If you missed this opportunity at the first invitation, but would now like to hear more about follow-up studies, please contact Dr Linda Morgan, Clinical Chemistry Department, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH. linda.morgan@nottingham.ac.uk
