Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 21, 2026

A Novel Use of Three-dimensional High-frequency Ultrasonography for Early Pregnancy Characterization in the Mouse
07:04

A Novel Use of Three-dimensional High-frequency Ultrasonography for Early Pregnancy Characterization in the Mouse

Published on: October 24, 2017

Piecing together pregnancy's early warning system

Mohammad Amin Sadeghi1,2,3, Nima Aghaeepour1,2,3

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.

Science Translational Medicine
|August 19, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentomics analysis of routine prenatal screening data can identify adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with immune-mediated diseases. This approach offers novel insights into pregnancy complications.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Genomics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Immune-mediated diseases pose risks during pregnancy, potentially leading to adverse outcomes.
  • Routine prenatal screening currently has limitations in predicting these complications.
  • Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis is an emerging tool in prenatal diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the utility of cfDNA fragmentomics in identifying adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  • To assess the potential of cfDNA analysis in pregnancies affected by immune-mediated diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of cfDNA fragmentomic patterns from routine prenatal screening samples.
  • Correlation of cfDNA profiles with pregnancy outcomes in women with immune-mediated conditions.

Main Results:

  • cfDNA fragmentomics successfully identified specific patterns associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  • The study demonstrates the feasibility of using existing prenatal screening data for this analysis.

Conclusions:

  • cfDNA fragmentomics is a promising non-invasive method for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes in immune-mediated diseases.
  • This technique can enhance prenatal care and risk assessment for affected pregnancies.

More Related Videos

Is My Mouse Pregnant? High-Frequency Ultrasound Assessment02:39

Is My Mouse Pregnant? High-Frequency Ultrasound Assessment

Published on: March 18, 2021

Methods for Studying Uterine Contributions to Pregnancy Establishment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model06:49

Methods for Studying Uterine Contributions to Pregnancy Establishment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model

Published on: April 7, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Ovarian Cycle01:27

Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
Secretory Phase01:19

Secretory Phase

The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, spanning from day 14 to 28 in a typical 28-day cycle, is a period of significant physiological changes in the female reproductive system. This phase commences immediately after ovulation and is characterized by the preparation of the endometrium for potential embryo implantation.
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
Fertilization01:38

Fertilization

During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...