METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR DIFFERENTIAL EXPANSION OF FETAL CELLS IN MATERNAL BLOOD AND THEIR USE

Disclosed is a method and compositions for the differential expansion of fetal cells over maternal cells. In the method, cells from a sample of maternal blood containing CD34+ cells of both maternal and fetal origin are incubated in the presence of Stem Cell Factor in serum free media. It has been discovered that incubation of fetal cells in the presence of SCF will preferentially expand the fetal cells relative to adult cells. Fetal cells can also be identified, enriched or obtained by differential expansion of the fetal cells during colony formation. It has been discovered that differential expansion of fetal cells can result in colonies of fetal cells that are larger than colonies of adult cells. The fetal CD34+ cells can be expanded without generation of significant clonal genetic artifacts during expansion. Also disclosed is a method and compositions for producing differentiated fetal cells. It has been discovered that differentiated fetal cells have markers that distinguish the fetal cells from adult cells. Also disclosed are fetal cells made or obtained using the disclosed methods. For example, disclosed are expanded and/or differentiated fetal cells. The disclosed fetal cells can be used for any purpose and in any way that fetal cells can be used. The disclosed fetal cells are particularly useful for prenatal analysis of a gestating fetus.