Details

Capability: Public Health Research and Development

Project Timeline: 6/1/2008-9/30/2009

In partnership with the California Department of Public Health, Genetic Disease Screening Program, Sequoia Foundation conducted a population-based case-control study to examine the maternal and infant genetic contributions to preterm birth. Specifically, Sequoia Foundation identified approximately 1100 mother-infant pairs who participated in the California prenatal and newborn screening programs between November 1999 and April 2000 to be included in this study. Biological samples were retrieved from each mother and infant and then sent to collaborating laboratories for DNA extraction and amplification, as well as genotyping for up to 1500 polymorphisms in more than 90 candidate genes and three overlapping biological pathways. Result from the study would allow comparative assessment of the contribution of both maternal and fetal genotypes in a single study and will also assess potential maternal and/or infant gene-gene interactions (maternal-maternal, infant-infant, and infant-maternal) and potential maternal and/or infant gene-environment interactions that modify the risk of preterm birth.