Identifying novel biomarkers to predict late-onset preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction

Summary

Fetal growth restriction, and preeclampsia are pregnancy complications with serious consequences for mothers and their babies. Currently, there are no reliable blood tests that can predict who will develop fetal growth restriction or preeclampsia. Our research aims to find new biomarkers (molecules or signatures) in blood that can help identify women at risk before complications develop. By discovering and testing these biomarkers, we hope to make pregnancy care more personalised, improving outcomes for mothers and their babies

At Mercy Hospital for Women, we have collected thousands of blood samples across pregnancy. Women donate their blood samples at routine appointments at 28- and 36-weeks’ gestation, before diagnosis of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction (BUMPS collection). 

We use many different strategies to identify new biomarkers. Currently, we are using large-scale approaches – measuring as many molecules as possible (proteins, lipids, metabolites, RNAs). We compare samples from women who later developed preeclampsia or fetal growth restriction, to those who did not. Once potential biomarkers are identified, we can validate them in our lab with samples from our national, and international collaborators. If the biomarker performs well, we can create assays ready for use in pathology settings, or others that can be used in remote regions of Australia, or low- and middle-income countries.

Work so far

Fetal growth restriction:  

• We have screened hundreds of proteins found on the surface of the placenta, and identified and validated SPINT1 as significantly reduced in the mum’s blood when a baby is growth restricted. 
• We have undertaken large scale metabolomic, lipidomic and proteomic screens, identifying new potential biomarkers.

Preeclampsia: 

• We have undertaken large scale metabolomic, lipidomic and proteomic screens, identifying new potential biomarkers.

What's next

Fetal growth restriction:

• We are working to create a SPINT1 assay that could be used in pathology settings.
• We are creating a point-of-care test – like a covid-19 RAT test that could be used in rural and remote settings.
• We are working towards a multi-marker test, that could be created to improve prediction beyond just SPINT1 alone.

Pre-eclampsia:

• We have received funding to create assays that can be used in pathology settings for our best biomarkers. In addition, we can apply this technology to create a point-of-care test – like a COVID-19 RAT test.
• We are working towards a multi-marker test, that could be created to improve prediction beyond a single biomarker alone.

Team

• Professor Tu’uhevaha Kaitu’u-Lino
• Professor Stephen Tong 
• Dr Lucy Bartho 
• Vi Nguyen 
• Ping Cannon 
• Manju Kandel 
• Stefan Botha 
• Sunhild Hartmann 
• Georgia Wong

Our Supporters

This research is supported by:

• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Grant 
• The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) 
• Stillbirth CRE 
• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) 
• The University of Melbourne Early Career Researcher Grant 
• Mercy Health Foundation
• Trevor B Kilvington Bequest