Searching for genetic clues to the causes of pre-eclampsia.
Pre-eclampsia and its related syndromes are significant causes of maternal and fetal death, but much remains unclear about the underlying disease mechanisms. Epidemiological research has consistently demonstrated a familial predisposition to pre-eclampsia, which has encouraged genetic research in this area. The goal is the discovery of susceptibility genes which will inform understanding of the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia, and may prove to be targets for therapeutic or preventative strategies. This review examines the application of molecular technologies to the search for genetic clues in pre-eclampsia and emphasizes the importance of integrative approaches. The results of recent genome-wide linkage studies have been particularly encouraging, identifying a number of loci which merit closer examination. Candidate gene studies have proved less fruitful, generating conflicting and inconclusive results. Possible explanations and remedies for this deficiency are discussed with a view to stimulating closer collaboration between researchers in this field.
Chappell
Sally
S
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Institute of Genetics, University of Nottingham, UK.
Morgan
Linda
L
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D005260:Female; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D023421:Models, Animal; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000235:genetics*; D011247:Pregnancy