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Gallagher LT, Bardill J, Sucharov CC, Wright CJ, Karimpour-Fard A, Zarate M, Breckenfelder C, Liechty KW, Derderian SC. Dysregulation of miRNA-mRNA expression in fetal growth restriction in a caloric restricted mouse model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5579. [PMID: 38448721 PMCID: PMC10918062 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56155-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with aberrant placentation and accounts for a significant proportion of perinatal deaths. microRNAs have been shown to be dysregulated in FGR. The purpose of this study was to determine microRNA-regulated molecular pathways altered using a caloric restricted mouse model of FGR. Pregnant mice were subjected to a 50% caloric restricted diet beginning at E9. At E18.5, RNA sequencing of placental tissue was performed to identify differences in gene expression between caloric restricted and control placentas. Significant differences in gene expression between caloric restricted and control placentas were observed in 228 of the 1546 (14.7%) microRNAs. Functional analysis of microRNA-mRNA interactions demonstrated enrichment of several biological pathways with oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy pathways upregulated and angiogenesis and signal transduction pathways downregulated. Ingenuity pathway analysis also suggested that ID1 signaling, a pathway integral for trophoblast differentiation, is also dysregulated in caloric restricted placentas. Thus, a maternal caloric restriction mouse model of FGR results in aberrant microRNA-regulated molecular pathways associated with angiogenesis, oxidative stress, signal transduction, apoptosis, and cell differentiation. As several of these pathways are dysregulated in human FGR, our findings suggest that this model may provide an excellent means to study placental microRNA derangements seen in FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren T Gallagher
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Laboratory for Fetal and Regenerative Biology, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - James Bardill
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Laboratory for Fetal and Regenerative Biology, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Carmen C Sucharov
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Clyde J Wright
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Anis Karimpour-Fard
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Miguel Zarate
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Courtney Breckenfelder
- Laboratory for Fetal and Regenerative Biology, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kenneth W Liechty
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - S Christopher Derderian
- Colorado Fetal Care Center, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, 13123 E 16th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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Chelslín F, Lodefalk M, Kruse R. Smoking during pregnancy is associated with the placental proteome. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 119:108409. [PMID: 37209868 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) is a significant risk factor for the development of foetal, neonatal, and childhood morbidities. We hypothesized that infants exposed to MSDP have a distinct proteomic expression in their term placentas compared to infants without such an exposure. A total of 39 infants exposed (cord blood cotinine levels of >1 ng/mL) and 44 infants not exposed to MSDP were included in the study. Women with chronic disease, body mass index of > 30, or a history of uterine surgery were excluded. Total proteome abundance was analysed with quantitative mass spectrometry. For univariate analysis of differences in placental protein levels between groups, ANOVA with multiple testing corrections by the Benjamini-Hochberg method was used. For multivariate analysis, we used principal component analysis, partial least squares, lasso, random forest, and neural networks. The univariate analyses showed four differentially abundant proteins (PXDN, CYP1A1, GPR183, and KRT81) when heavy and moderate smoking groups were compared to non-smokers. With the help of machine learning, we found that an additional six proteins (SEPTIN3, CRAT, NAAA, CD248, CADM3, and ZNF648) were discriminants of MSDP. The placental abundance of these ten proteins together explained 74.1% of the variation in cord blood cotinine levels (p = 0.002). Infants exposed to MSDP showed differential abundance of proteins in term placentas. We report differential placental abundance of several proteins for the first time in the setting of MSDP. We believe that these findings supplement the current understanding of how MSDP affects the placental proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Chelslín
- University Health Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Maria Lodefalk
- University Health Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Robert Kruse
- Department of Clinical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC) and X-HiDE Consortium, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
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3
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Wu JX, Shi M, Gong BM, Ji BW, Hu CC, Wang GC, Lei L, Tang C, Sun LV, Wu XH, Wang X. An miRNA-mRNA integrative analysis in human placentas and mice: role of the Smad2/miR-155-5p axis in the development of fetal growth restriction. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1159805. [PMID: 37274158 PMCID: PMC10233019 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1159805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Functional disorder of the placenta is the principal cause of fetal growth restriction (FGR), usually cured with suitable clinical treatment and good nursing. However, some FGR mothers still give birth to small for gestational age (SGA) babies after treatment. The ineffectiveness of treatment in such a group of patients confused physicians of obstetrics and gynecology. Methods: In this study, we performed a microRNA-messenger RNA integrative analysis of gene expression profiles obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus. Differentially expressed genes were screened and checked using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Target genes of significantly changed microRNA were screened and enriched for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses. Function of the obtained microRNA-messenger RNA was evaluated using HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and heterozygote male mice. Result: MiR-155-5p was upregulated (p = 0.001, fold-change = 2.275) in fetal-side placentals. Among the hub genes identified as key targets for miR-155-5p in fetal reprogramming, Smad2 was downregulated (p = 0.002, fold change = 0.426) and negatively correlated with miR-155-5p expression levels (r = -0.471, p < 1.0 E - 04) in fetal-side placental tissues. The miR-155-5p mimic blocks Smad2 expression and suppresses villous trophoblast cell and endothelial cell function (proliferation, migration, and invasion), indicating a close relationship with placental development. Luciferase assays further confirmed the targeting of miR-155-5p to Smad2. Furthermore, Smad2+/- heterozygote male mice were born small with low body weight (p = 0.0281) and fat composition (p = 0.013) in the fourth week post-natal. Discussion: We provide the first evidence of the role of the Smad2/miR-155-5p axis in the placental pathologies of FGR. Our findings elucidate the pathogenesis of FGR and provide new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Microelectronics, SINO-SWISS Institute of Advanced Technology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Shi
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Bao-Ming Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bao-Wei Ji
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng-Chen Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gui-Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Tang
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling V. Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and National Center for International Research of Development and Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Tehrani JM, Kennedy E, Tung PW, Burt A, Hermetz K, Punshon T, Jackson BP, Hao K, Chen J, Karagas MR, Koestler DC, Lester B, Marsit CJ. Human placental microRNAs dysregulated by cadmium exposure predict neurobehavioral outcomes at birth. Pediatr Res 2023; 93:1410-1418. [PMID: 35906307 PMCID: PMC9884320 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02201-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal cadmium (Cd) exposure has been implicated in both placental toxicity and adverse neurobehavioral outcomes. Placental microRNAs (miRNAs) may function to developmentally program adverse pregnancy and newborn health outcomes in response to gestational Cd exposure. METHODS In a subset of the Rhode Island Child Health Study (RICHS, n = 115) and the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study (NHBCS, = 281), we used small RNA sequencing and trace metal analysis to identify Cd-associated expression of placental miRNAs using negative binomial generalized linear models. We predicted mRNAs targeted by Cd-associated miRNAs and relate them to neurobehavioral outcomes at birth through the integration of transcriptomic data and summary scores from the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS). RESULTS Placental Cd concentrations are significantly associated with the expression level of five placental miRNAs in NHBCS, with similar effect sizes in RICHS. These miRNA target genes overrepresented in nervous system development, and their expression is correlated with NNNS metrics suggestive of atypical neurobehavioral outcomes at birth. CONCLUSIONS Gestational Cd exposure is associated with the expression of placental miRNAs. Predicted targets of these miRNAs are involved in nervous system development and may also regulate placental physiology, allowing their dysregulation to modify developmental programming of early life health outcomes. IMPACT This research aims to address the poor understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing adverse pregnancy and newborn health outcomes in response to Gestational cadmium (Cd) exposure. Our results outline a robust relationship between Cd-associated placental microRNA expression and NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales (NNNS) at birth indicative of atypical neurobehavior. This study utilized healthy mother-infant cohorts to describe the role of Cd-associated dysregulation of placental microRNAs as a potential mechanism by which adverse neurobehavioral outcomes are developmentally programmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse M Tehrani
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Kennedy
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pei Wen Tung
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amber Burt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karen Hermetz
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tracy Punshon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Brian P Jackson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margaret R Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Devin C Koestler
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Barry Lester
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
- The Brown Center of the Study of Children at Risk, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Xiong Y, Fang Z, Dong J, Chen S, Mao J, Zhang W, Hai L, Zhou J, Wang X. Maternal circulating exosomal miR-185-5p levels as a predictive biomarker in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:553-566. [PMID: 36745296 PMCID: PMC10033820 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02733-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to explore the predictive role of microRNAs (miRNAs) from maternal serum exosomes in early recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and the related mechanism in early pregnancy. METHODS Maternal serum was collected from pregnant women with RPL history or women with ongoing pregnancy (OP); serum exosomes were extracted and identified. Differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in exosomes were screened by RNA sequencing and further validated by qRT-PCR. Next, the predictive value of exosomal miRNA and the clinical indicators for subsequent miscarriage in RPL patients were evaluated. Additionally, we verified the regulatory relationship between miR-185-5p and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in decidual natural killer (dNK) cells by overloading or inhibiting the exosomal miR-185-5p level in trophoblast cells. RESULTS The miRNA sequencing revealed 43 DE miRNAs between OP and RPL patients. The five most significant DE miRNAs (miR-22-3p, miR-185-5p, miR-335-3p, miR-362-5p, and miR-378a-3p) were selected for identification, and miR-185-5p was increased in RPL patients. The area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic was 0.925 when using miR-185-5p as a biomarker for subsequent miscarriage in RPL patients. In addition, miR-185-5p in exosomes secreted from HTR-8 cells reduces VEGF expression of dNK cells. CONCLUSIONS The current study, for the first time, successfully constructed the correlation between maternal circulating exosomal miR-185-5p expression pattern and RPL, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of RPL by downregulating the VEGFA of dNK cells and perturbing angiogenesis at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Xiong
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinyi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'An, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zheng Fang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinyi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'An, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinyi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'An, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shuqiang Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinyi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'An, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jiaqin Mao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinyi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'An, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wanlin Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinyi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'An, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Li Hai
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinyi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'An, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinyi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'An, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinyi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'An, Shaanxi Province, China.
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Tehrani JM, Kennedy EM, Tian FY, Everson TM, Deyssenroth M, Burt A, Hermetz K, Hao K, Chen J, Koestler DC, Marsit CJ. Variation in placental microRNA expression associates with maternal family history of cardiovascular disease. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2023; 14:132-139. [PMID: 35815737 PMCID: PMC9832176 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174422000319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and the rate of maternal mortality remains among the highest of any industrialized nation. Maternal cardiometabolic health throughout gestation and postpartum is representative of placental health and physiology. Both proper placental functionality and placental microRNA expression are essential to successful pregnancy outcomes, and both are highly sensitive to genetic and environmental sources of variation. Placental pathologies, such as preeclampsia, are associated with maternal cardiovascular health but may also contribute to the developmental programming of chronic disease in offspring. However, the role of more subtle alterations to placental function and microRNA expression in this developmental programming remains poorly understood. We performed small RNA sequencing to investigate microRNA in placentae from the Rhode Island Child Health Study (n = 230). MicroRNA counts were modeled on maternal family history of cardiovascular disease using negative binomial generalized linear models. MicroRNAs were considered to be differentially expressed at a false discovery rate (FDR) less than 0.10. Parallel mRNA sequencing data and bioinformatic target prediction software were then used to identify potential mRNA targets of differentially expressed microRNAs. Nine differentially expressed microRNAs were identified (FDR < 0.1). Bioinformatic target prediction revealed 66 potential mRNA targets of these microRNAs, many of which are implicated in TGFβ signaling pathway but also in pathways involving cellular metabolism and immunomodulation. A robust association exists between familial cardiovascular disease and placental microRNA expression which may be implicated in both placental insufficiencies and the developmental programming of chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse M. Tehrani
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Kennedy
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Fu-Ying Tian
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Todd M. Everson
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maya Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amber Burt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karen Hermetz
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Devin C. Koestler
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Carmen J. Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Murrieta-Coxca JM, Barth E, Fuentes-Zacarias P, Gutiérrez-Samudio RN, Groten T, Gellhaus A, Köninger A, Marz M, Markert UR, Morales-Prieto DM. Identification of altered miRNAs and their targets in placenta accreta. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1021640. [PMID: 36936174 PMCID: PMC10022468 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1021640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is one of the major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide with increasing incidence. PAS refers to a group of pathological conditions ranging from the abnormal attachment of the placenta to the uterus wall to its perforation and, in extreme cases, invasion into surrounding organs. Among them, placenta accreta is characterized by a direct adhesion of the villi to the myometrium without invasion and remains the most common diagnosis of PAS. Here, we identify the potential regulatory miRNA and target networks contributing to placenta accreta development. Using small RNA-Seq followed by RT-PCR confirmation, altered miRNA expression, including that of members of placenta-specific miRNA clusters (e.g., C19MC and C14MC), was identified in placenta accreta samples compared to normal placental tissues. In situ hybridization (ISH) revealed expression of altered miRNAs mostly in trophoblast but also in endothelial cells and this profile was similar among all evaluated degrees of PAS. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analyses showed enriched pathways dysregulated in PAS associated with cell cycle regulation, inflammation, and invasion. mRNAs of genes associated with cell cycle and inflammation were downregulated in PAS. At the protein level, NF-κB was upregulated while PTEN was downregulated in placenta accreta tissue. The identified miRNAs and their targets are associated with signaling pathways relevant to controlling trophoblast function. Therefore, this study provides miRNA:mRNA associations that could be useful for understanding PAS onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emanuel Barth
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, RNA Bioinformatics and High Throughput Analysis, Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Bioinformatics Core Facility, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | | | - Tanja Groten
- Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Angela Köninger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- University Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Manja Marz
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, RNA Bioinformatics and High Throughput Analysis, Jena, Germany
- Fritz Lipman Institute (FLI), Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Jena, Germany
| | - Udo R. Markert
- Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Udo R. Markert, ; Diana M. Morales-Prieto,
| | - Diana M. Morales-Prieto
- Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Udo R. Markert, ; Diana M. Morales-Prieto,
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Lawless L, Xie L, Zhang K. The inter- and multi- generational epigenetic alterations induced by maternal cadmium exposure. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1148906. [PMID: 37152287 PMCID: PMC10157395 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1148906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to cadmium during pregnancy, from environmental or lifestyle factors, has been shown to have detrimental fetal and placental developmental effects, along with negatively impacting maternal health during gestation. Additionally, prenatal cadmium exposure places the offspring at risk for developing diseases in infancy, adolescence, and adulthood. Although given much attention, the underlying mechanisms of cadmium-induced teratogenicity and disease development remain largely unknown. Epigenetic changes in DNA, RNA and protein modifications have been observed during cadmium exposure, which implies a scientific premise as a conceivable mode of cadmium toxicity for developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). This review aims to examine the literature and provide a comprehensive overview of epigenetic alterations induced by prenatal cadmium exposure, within the developing fetus and placenta, and the continued effects observed in childhood and across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Lawless
- Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Linglin Xie
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Ke Zhang
- Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Ke Zhang,
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Zeng Y, Wu Y, Zhang Q, Xiao X. Non-coding RNAs: The link between maternal malnutrition and offspring metabolism. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1022784. [DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1022784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life nutrition is associated with the development and metabolism in later life, which is known as the Developmental Origin of Health and Diseases (DOHaD). Epigenetics have been proposed as an important explanation for this link between early life malnutrition and long-term diseases. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) may play a role in this epigenetic programming. The expression of ncRNAs (such as long non-coding RNA H19, microRNA-122, and circular RNA-SETD2) was significantly altered in specific tissues of offspring exposed to maternal malnutrition. Changes in these downstream targets of ncRNAs lead to abnormal development and metabolism. This review aims to summarize the existing knowledge on ncRNAs linking the maternal nutrition condition and offspring metabolic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
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Östling H, Lodefalk M, Backman H, Kruse R. Global microRNA and protein expression in human term placenta. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:952827. [PMID: 36330066 PMCID: PMC9622934 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.952827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Description of the global expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and proteins in healthy human term placentas may increase our knowledge of molecular biological pathways that are important for normal fetal growth and development in term pregnancy. The aim of this study was to explore the global expression of miRNAs and proteins, and to point out functions of importance in healthy term placentas. Materials and methods Placental samples (n = 19) were identified in a local biobank. All samples were from uncomplicated term pregnancies with vaginal births and healthy, normal weight newborns. Next-generation sequencing and nano-scale liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometry were used to analyse miRNA and protein expression, respectively. Results A total of 895 mature miRNAs and 6,523 proteins were detected in the placentas, of which 123 miRNAs and 346 proteins were highly abundant. The miRNAs were in high degree mapped to chromosomes 19, 14, and X. Analysis of the highly abundant miRNAs and proteins showed several significantly predicted functions in common, including immune and inflammatory response, lipid metabolism and development of the nervous system. Discussion The predicted function inflammatory response may reflect normal vaginal delivery, while lipid metabolism and neurodevelopment may be important processes for the term fetus. The data presented in this study, with complete miRNA and protein findings, will enhance the knowledge base for future research in the field of placental function and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Östling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Hanna Östling,
| | - Maria Lodefalk
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Helena Backman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Robert Kruse
- iRiSC - Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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11
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Freedman AN, Eaves LA, Rager JE, Gavino-Lopez N, Smeester L, Bangma J, Santos HP, Joseph RM, Kuban KC, O'Shea TM, Fry RC. The placenta epigenome-brain axis: placental epigenomic and transcriptomic responses that preprogram cognitive impairment. Epigenomics 2022; 14:897-911. [PMID: 36073148 PMCID: PMC9475498 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The placenta-brain axis reflects a developmental linkage where disrupted placental function is associated with impaired neurodevelopment later in life. Placental gene expression and the expression of epigenetic modifiers such as miRNAs may be tied to these impairments and are understudied. Materials & methods: The expression levels of mRNAs (n = 37,268) and their targeting miRNAs (n = 2083) were assessed within placentas collected from the ELGAN study cohort (n = 386). The ELGAN adolescents were assessed for neurocognitive function at age 10 and the association with placental mRNA/miRNAs was determined. Results: Placental mRNAs related to inflammatory and apoptotic processes are under miRNA control and associated with cognitive impairment at age 10. Conclusion: Findings highlight key placenta epigenome-brain relationships that support the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia N Freedman
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lauren A Eaves
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Julia E Rager
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Noemi Gavino-Lopez
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lisa Smeester
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jacqueline Bangma
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Hudson P Santos
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124, USA
| | - Robert M Joseph
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Karl Ck Kuban
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Thomas Michael O'Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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12
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Garcia-Beltran C, Carreras-Badosa G, Bassols J, Malpique R, Plou C, de Zegher F, López-Bermejo A, Ibáñez L. microRNAs in newborns with low birth weight: relation to birth size and body composition. Pediatr Res 2022; 92:829-37. [PMID: 34799665 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01845-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with low birth weight (LBW) have a higher risk of developing endocrine-metabolic disorders later in life. Deregulation of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) could underscore the programming of adult pathologies. We analyzed the miRNA expression pattern in both umbilical cord serum samples from LBW and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) newborns and maternal serum samples in the 3rd trimester of gestation, and delineated the relationships with fetal growth, body composition, and markers of metabolic risk. METHODS Serum samples of 12 selected mother-newborn pairs, including 6 LBW and 6 AGA newborns, were used for assessing miRNA profile by RNA-sequencing. The miRNAs with differential expression were validated in a larger cohort [49 maternal samples and 49 umbilical cord samples (24 LBW, 25 AGA)] by RT-qPCR. Anthropometric, endocrine-metabolic markers and body composition (by DXA) in infants were determined longitudinally over 12 months. RESULTS LBW newborns presented reduced circulating concentrations of miR-191-3p (P = 0.015). miR-191-3p levels reliably differentiated LBW from AGA individuals (ROC AUC = 0.76) and were positively associated with anthropometric and body composition measures at birth and weight Z-score at 12 months (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS miR-191-3p was reliably different in LBW individuals, and could be a new player in the epigenetic mechanisms linking LBW and future endocrine-metabolic adverse outcomes. IMPACT Children with low birth weight (LBW) have a higher risk of developing endocrine-metabolic disorders. Deregulation of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) could underscore the programming of those pathologies. miR-191-3p is downregulated in serum of LBW newborns, and its concentrations associate positively with neonatal anthropometric measures, with lean mass and bone accretion at age 15 days and with weight Z-score at age 12 months. miR-191-3p was reliably different in individuals with LBW, and could be a new player in the epigenetic mechanisms connecting LBW and future endocrine-metabolic adverse outcomes.
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13
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Silva LR, Melo AS, Salomão KB, Mazin SC, Tone LG, Cardoso VC, Dos Reis RM, Furtado CLM, Ferriani RA. MIR146A and ADIPOQ genetic variants are associated with birth weight in relation to gestational age: a cohort study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1873-86. [PMID: 35689735 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02532-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the genetic variants related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its metabolic complications in girls born small for gestational age (SGA). DESIGN Retrospective birth cohort study. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated 66 women of reproductive age born at term (37-42 weeks of gestational age) according to the birth weight in relation to gestational age: 26 SGA and 40 AGA (Adequate for gestational age). Anthropometric and biochemical characteristics were measured, as well as the PCOS prevalence. We analyzed 48 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with PCOS and its comorbidities using TaqMan Low-Density Array (TLDA). miRNet and STRING databases were used to predict target and disease networks. RESULTS Anthropometric and biochemical characteristics did not differ between the SGA and AGA groups, as well as insulin resistance and PCOS prevalence. Two SNPs were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the rs2910164 (MIR146A C > G) and rs182052 (ADIPOQ G > A). The rs2910164 minor allele frequency (MAF) was increased in SGA (OR, 2.77; 95%; CI, 1.22-6.29), while the rs182052 was increased AGA (OR, 0.34; 95%; CI, 0.13 - 0.88). The alleles related to reduced miRNA-146a (C) and ADIPOQ (A) activity showed increased frequency in SGA. The mature miR-146a targets 319 genes, been the CXCR4, TMEM167A and IF144L common targets and contributes to PCOS. The ADIPOQ main protein interactions were ERP44, PPARGCIA and CDH13. CONCLUSIONS The miR-146a (rs2910164) and ADIPOQ (rs182052) allelic variants are related to birth weight in SGA and may predict health-related outcomes, such as PCOS and obesity risk.
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14
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Kochhar P, Vukku M, Rajashekhar R, Mukhopadhyay A. microRNA signatures associated with fetal growth restriction: a systematic review. Eur J Clin Nutr 2022; 76:1088-1102. [PMID: 34741137 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-021-01041-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Placental-origin microRNA (miRNA) profiles can be useful toward early diagnosis and management of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and associated complications. We conducted a systematic review to identify case-control studies that have examined miRNA signatures associated with human FGR. We systematically searched PubMed and ScienceDirect databases for relevant articles and manually searched reference lists of the relevant articles till May 18th, 2021. Of the 2133 studies identified, 21 were included. FGR-associated upregulation of miR-210 and miR-424 and downregulation of a placenta-specific miRNA cluster miRNA located on C19MC (miR-518b, miR-519d) and miR-221-3p was reported by >1 included studies. Analysis of the target genes of these miRNA as well as pathway analysis pointed to the involvement of angiogenesis and growth signaling pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase- protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) pathway. Only 3 out of the 21 included studies reported FGR-associated miRNAs in matched placental and maternal blood samples. We conclude that FGR-associated placental miRNAs could be utilized to inform clinical practice towards early diagnosis of FGR, provided enough evidence from studies on matched placental and maternal blood samples become available.Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration number: CRD42019136762.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kochhar
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, A Recognized Research Centre of University of Mysore, Bangalore, India
| | - M Vukku
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, A Recognized Research Centre of University of Mysore, Bangalore, India
| | - R Rajashekhar
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, A Recognized Research Centre of University of Mysore, Bangalore, India.,Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India
| | - A Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, A Recognized Research Centre of University of Mysore, Bangalore, India.
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15
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Abstract
Epidemiologic studies have shown an association between an adverse intrauterine environment (eg, exposure to malnutrition) and an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic disease in adulthood. These studies laid the foundation for the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis, which states that limited nutrient supply to the fetus results in physiologic and metabolic adaptations that favor survival but result in unfavorable consequences in the offspring if there is excess nutrition after birth. This discrepancy in the pre- and postnatal milieus, perceived as stress by the offspring, may confer an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic disease later in life. Thus, early life exposures result in programming or changes in cellular memory that have effects on health throughout the life course. One of the mechanisms by which programming occurs is via epigenetic modifications of genes, processes that result in functionally relevant changes in genes (ie, gene expression) without an alteration in the genotype. In this review, we will describe how fetal exposures, including under- and overnutrition, affect neonatal and childhood growth and the future risk for cardiometabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Harary
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY
| | | | - Maureen J Charron
- Departments of †Biochemistry
- Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, and
- Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Mamta Fuloria
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY
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16
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Lapehn S, Paquette AG. The Placental Epigenome as a Molecular Link Between Prenatal Exposures and Fetal Health Outcomes Through the DOHaD Hypothesis. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:490-501. [PMID: 35488174 PMCID: PMC9363315 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00354-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis posits that the perinatal environment can impact fetal and later life health. The placenta is uniquely situated to assess prenatal exposures in the context of DOHaD because it is an essential ephemeral fetal organ that manages the transport of oxygen, nutrients, waste, and endocrine signals between the mother and fetus. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent studies that evaluated the DOHaD hypothesis in human placentas using epigenomics, including DNA methylation and transcriptomic studies of mRNA, lncRNA, and microRNAs. Recent Findings Between 2016 and 2021, 28 articles evaluated associations between prenatal exposures and placental epigenomics across broad exposure categories including maternal smoking, psychosocial stressors, chemicals, air pollution, and metals. Sixteen of these studies connected exposures to health outcome such as birth weight, fetal growth, or infant neurobehavior through mediation analysis, identification of shared associations between exposure and outcome, or network analysis. These aspects of infant and childhood health serve as a foundation for future studies that aim to use placental epigenetics to understand relationships between the prenatal environment and perinatal complications (such as preterm birth or fetal growth restriction) or later life childhood health. Summary Placental DNA methylation and RNA expression have been linked to numerous prenatal exposures, such as PM2.5 air pollution, metals, and maternal smoking, as well as infant and childhood health outcomes, including fetal growth and birth weight. Placental epigenomics provides a unique opportunity to expand the DOHaD premise, particularly if research applies novel methodologies such as multi-omics analysis, sequencing of non-coding RNAs, mixtures analysis, and assessment of health outcomes beyond early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Lapehn
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Alison G Paquette
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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17
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Kim MA, Lee EJ, Yang W, Shin HY, Kim YH, Kim JH. Identification of a novel gene signature in second-trimester amniotic fluid for the prediction of preterm birth. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3085. [PMID: 35361790 PMCID: PMC8971495 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04709-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth affects approximately 5% to 7% of live births worldwide and is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Amniotic fluid supernatant (AFS) contains abundant cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs) that can provide genetic information associated with pregnancy complications. In the current study, cfNAs of AFS in the early second-trimester before the onset of symptoms of preterm birth were analyzed, and we compared gene expression levels between spontaneous preterm birth (n = 5) and term birth (n = 5) groups using sequencing analysis. Differential expression analyses detected 24 genes with increased and 6 genes with decreased expression in the preterm birth group compared to term birth. Upregulated expressions of RDH14, ZNF572, VOPP1, SERPINA12, and TCF15 were validated in an extended AFS sample by quantitative PCR (preterm birth group, n = 21; term birth group, n = 40). Five candidate genes displayed a significant increase in mRNA expression in immortalized trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cell with H2O2 treatment. Moreover, the expression of five candidate genes was increased to more than twofold by pretreatment with lipopolysaccharide in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Changes in gene expression between preterm birth and term birth is strongly correlated with oxidative stress and infection during pregnancy. Specific expression patterns of genes could be used as potential markers for the early identification of women at risk of having a spontaneous preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-A Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wookyeom Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ha-Yeon Shin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Han Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea.
| | - Jae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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18
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Rosenfeld CS. Transcriptomics and Other Omics Approaches to Investigate Effects of Xenobiotics on the Placenta. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:723656. [PMID: 34631709 PMCID: PMC8497882 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.723656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The conceptus is most vulnerable to developmental perturbation during its early stages when the events that create functional organ systems are being launched. As the placenta is in direct contact with maternal tissues, it readily encounters any xenobiotics in her bloodstream. Besides serving as a conduit for solutes and waste, the placenta possesses a tightly regulated endocrine system that is, of itself, vulnerable to pharmaceutical agents, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and other environmental toxicants. To determine whether extrinsic factors affect placental function, transcriptomics and other omics approaches have become more widely used. In casting a wide net with such approaches, they have provided mechanistic insights into placental physiological and pathological responses and how placental responses may impact the fetus, especially the developing brain through the placenta-brain axis. This review will discuss how such omics technologies have been utilized to understand effects of EDCs, including the widely prevalent plasticizers bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), and phthalates, other environmental toxicants, pharmaceutical agents, maternal smoking, and air pollution on placental gene expression, DNA methylation, and metabolomic profiles. It is also increasingly becoming clear that miRNA (miR) are important epigenetic regulators of placental function. Thus, the evidence to date that xenobiotics affect placental miR expression patterns will also be explored. Such omics approaches with mouse and human placenta will assuredly provide key biomarkers that may be used as barometers of exposure and can be targeted by early mitigation approaches to prevent later diseases, in particular neurobehavioral disorders, originating due to placental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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19
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Kochhar P, Dwarkanath P, Ravikumar G, Thomas A, Crasta J, Thomas T, Kurpad AV, Mukhopadhyay A. Placental expression of miR-21-5p, miR-210-3p and miR-141-3p: relation to human fetoplacental growth. Eur J Clin Nutr 2021; 76:730-738. [PMID: 34611295 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-021-01017-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes in placental tissue is associated with foetal growth restriction. We aimed to evaluate associations of placental miR-21-5p, miR-141-3p and miR-210-3p expression with maternal, placental and newborn parameters and with placental expression of their potential target genes PTEN, VEGF, FLT and ENG in a set of well-characterized small- (SGA) and appropriate- (AGA) for gestational age full-term singleton pregnancies. SUBJECTS/METHODS Placental samples (n = 80) from 26 SGA and 54 AGA were collected from full-term singleton pregnancies. Placental transcript abundances of miR-21-5p, miR-141-3p and miR-210-3p were assessed after normalization to a reference miRNA, mir-16-5p by real-time quantitative PCR. Placental transcript abundances of PTEN, VEGF, FLT and ENG were assessed after normalizing to a panel of reference genes. RESULTS Placental miR-21-5p transcript abundance was negatively associated with placental weight (n = 80, r = -0.222, P = 0.047) and this association was specific to the AGA births (n = 54, r = -0.292, P = 0.032). Placental transcript abundances of miR-210-3p and miR-141-3p were not associated with placental weight or birth weight in all 80 births. However, placental miR-210-3p transcript abundance was positively associated with birth weight specifically in the SGA births (n = 26, r = 0.449, P = 0.021). Placental transcript abundance of miR-21-5p was negatively associated with PTEN transcript abundance (Spearman's ρ = -0.245, P = 0.028) while that of miR-141-3p was positively associated with FLT (Spearman's ρ = 0.261, P = 0.019) and ENG (Spearman's ρ = 0.259, P = 0.020) transcript abundances in all 80 births. CONCLUSION We conclude that placental miR-21-5p and miR-210-3p may be involved in fetoplacental growth. However, this regulation is unlikely to be mediated through placental expression of PTEN, VEGF, FLT or ENG.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kochhar
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, A recognized research centre of University of Mysore, Bangalore, India
| | - P Dwarkanath
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, A recognized research centre of University of Mysore, Bangalore, India
| | - G Ravikumar
- Department of Pathology, St John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - A Thomas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - J Crasta
- Department of Pathology, St John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - T Thomas
- Department of Biostatistics, St. John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - A V Kurpad
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, A recognized research centre of University of Mysore, Bangalore, India
| | - A Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, A recognized research centre of University of Mysore, Bangalore, India.
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20
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Roxenlund F, Kruse R, Östling H, Lodefalk M. Differential microRNA expression in placentas of small-for-gestational age neonates with and without exposure to poor maternal gestational weight gain. J Perinat Med 2021; 49:632-635. [PMID: 33626601 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2020-0597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Roxenlund
- School of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Robert Kruse
- Department of Clinical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Hanna Östling
- Department of Women's Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Maria Lodefalk
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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21
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Yong HEJ, Chan SY. Current approaches and developments in transcript profiling of the human placenta. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 26:799-840. [PMID: 33043357 PMCID: PMC7600289 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is the active interface between mother and foetus, bearing the molecular marks of rapid development and exposures in utero. The placenta is routinely discarded at delivery, providing a valuable resource to explore maternal-offspring health and disease in pregnancy. Genome-wide profiling of the human placental transcriptome provides an unbiased approach to study normal maternal–placental–foetal physiology and pathologies. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE To date, many studies have examined the human placental transcriptome, but often within a narrow focus. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of human placental transcriptome studies, encompassing those from the cellular to tissue levels and contextualize current findings from a broader perspective. We have consolidated studies into overarching themes, summarized key research findings and addressed important considerations in study design, as a means to promote wider data sharing and support larger meta-analysis of already available data and greater collaboration between researchers in order to fully capitalize on the potential of transcript profiling in future studies. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed database, National Center for Biotechnology Information and European Bioinformatics Institute dataset repositories were searched, to identify all relevant human studies using ‘placenta’, ‘decidua’, ‘trophoblast’, ‘transcriptome’, ‘microarray’ and ‘RNA sequencing’ as search terms until May 2019. Additional studies were found from bibliographies of identified studies. OUTCOMES The 179 identified studies were classifiable into four broad themes: healthy placental development, pregnancy complications, exposures during pregnancy and in vitro placental cultures. The median sample size was 13 (interquartile range 8–29). Transcriptome studies prior to 2015 were predominantly performed using microarrays, while RNA sequencing became the preferred choice in more recent studies. Development of fluidics technology, combined with RNA sequencing, has enabled transcript profiles to be generated of single cells throughout pregnancy, in contrast to previous studies relying on isolated cells. There are several key study aspects, such as sample selection criteria, sample processing and data analysis methods that may represent pitfalls and limitations, which need to be carefully considered as they influence interpretation of findings and conclusions. Furthermore, several areas of growing importance, such as maternal mental health and maternal obesity are understudied and the profiling of placentas from these conditions should be prioritized. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Integrative analysis of placental transcriptomics with other ‘omics’ (methylome, proteome and metabolome) and linkage with future outcomes from longitudinal studies is crucial in enhancing knowledge of healthy placental development and function, and in enabling the underlying causal mechanisms of pregnancy complications to be identified. Such understanding could help in predicting risk of future adversity and in designing interventions that can improve the health outcomes of both mothers and their offspring. Wider collaboration and sharing of placental transcriptome data, overcoming the challenges in obtaining sufficient numbers of quality samples with well-defined clinical characteristics, and dedication of resources to understudied areas of pregnancy will undoubtedly help drive the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E J Yong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shiao-Yng Chan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Sundrani DP, Karkhanis AR, Joshi SR. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR), fatty acids and microRNAs: Implications in women delivering low birth weight babies. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2021; 67:24-41. [PMID: 33719831 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2020.1858994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Low birth weight (LBW) babies are associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality and are at increased risk for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in later life. However, the molecular determinants of LBW are not well understood. Placental insufficiency/dysfunction is the most frequent etiology for fetal growth restriction resulting in LBW and placental epigenetic processes are suggested to be important regulators of pregnancy outcome. Early life exposures like altered maternal nutrition may have long-lasting effects on the health of the offspring via epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation and microRNA (miRNA) regulation. miRNAs have been recognized as major regulators of gene expression and are known to play an important role in placental development. Angiogenesis in the placenta is known to be regulated by transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) which is activated by ligands such as long-chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). In vitro studies in different cell types indicate that fatty acids can influence epigenetic mechanisms like miRNA regulation. We hypothesize that maternal fatty acid status may influence the miRNA regulation of PPAR genes in the placenta in women delivering LBW babies. This review provides an overview of miRNAs and their regulation of PPAR gene in the placenta of women delivering LBW babies.Abbreviations: AA - Arachidonic Acid; Ago2 - Argonaute2; ALA - Alpha-Linolenic Acid; ANGPTL4 - Angiopoietin-Like Protein 4; C14MC - Chromosome 14 miRNA Cluster; C19MC - Chromosome 19 miRNA Cluster; CLA - Conjugated Linoleic Acid; CSE - Cystathionine γ-Lyase; DHA - Docosahexaenoic Acid; EFA - Essential Fatty Acids; E2F3 - E2F transcription factor 3; EPA - Eicosapentaenoic Acid; FGFR1 - Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1; GDM - Gestational Diabetes Mellitus; hADMSCs - Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells; hBMSCs - Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells; HBV - Hepatitis B Virus; HCC - Hepatocellular Carcinoma; HCPT - Hydroxycamptothecin; HFD - High-Fat Diet; Hmads - Human Multipotent Adipose-Derived Stem; HSCS - Human Hepatic Stellate Cells; IUGR - Intrauterine Growth Restriction; LA - Linoleic Acid; LBW - Low Birth Weight; LCPUFA - Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids; MEK1 - Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; MiRNA - MicroRNA; mTOR - Mammalian Target of Rapamycin; NCDs - NonCommunicable Diseases; OA - Oleic Acid; PASMC - Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cell; PLAG1 - Pleiomorphic Adenoma Gene 1; PPAR - Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor; PPARα - PPAR alpha; PPARγ - PPAR gamma; PPARδ - PPAR delta; pre-miRNA - precursor miRNA; RISC - RNA-Induced Silencing Complex; ROS - Reactive Oxygen Species; SAT - Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue; WHO - World Health Organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepali P Sundrani
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India
| | - Aishwarya R Karkhanis
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India
| | - Sadhana R Joshi
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India
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23
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Ali A, Hadlich F, Abbas MW, Iqbal MA, Tesfaye D, Bouma GJ, Winger QA, Ponsuksili S. MicroRNA-mRNA Networks in Pregnancy Complications: A Comprehensive Downstream Analysis of Potential Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2313. [PMID: 33669156 PMCID: PMC7956714 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy complications are a major cause of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality in humans. The majority of pregnancy complications initiate due to abnormal placental development and function. During the last decade, the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating placental and fetal development has become evident. Dysregulation of miRNAs in the placenta not only affects placental development and function, but these miRNAs can also be exported to both maternal and fetal compartments and affect maternal physiology and fetal growth and development. Due to their differential expression in the placenta and maternal circulation during pregnancy complications, miRNAs can be used as diagnostic biomarkers. However, the differential expression of a miRNA in the placenta may not always be reflected in maternal circulation, which makes it difficult to find a reliable biomarker for placental dysfunction. In this review, we provide an overview of differentially expressed miRNAs in the placenta and/or maternal circulation during preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which can potentially serve as biomarkers for prediction or diagnosis of pregnancy complications. Using different bioinformatics tools, we also identified potential target genes of miRNAs associated with PE and IUGR, and the role of miRNA-mRNA networks in the regulation of important signaling pathways and biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asghar Ali
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Institute of Genome Biology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
- Animal Reproduction and Biomedical Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Frieder Hadlich
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Institute of Genome Biology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Muhammad W Abbas
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad A Iqbal
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Institute of Genome Biology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Dawit Tesfaye
- Animal Reproduction and Biomedical Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Gerrit J Bouma
- Animal Reproduction and Biomedical Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Quinton A Winger
- Animal Reproduction and Biomedical Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Siriluck Ponsuksili
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Institute of Genome Biology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
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24
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Kennedy EM, Hermetz K, Burt A, Everson TM, Deyssenroth M, Hao K, Chen J, Karagas MR, Pei D, Koestler DC, Marsit CJ. Placental microRNA expression associates with birthweight through control of adipokines: results from two independent cohorts. Epigenetics 2020; 16:770-782. [PMID: 33016211 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1827704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. In the placenta, the master regulator of foetal growth and development, microRNAs shape the basic processes of trophoblast biology and specific microRNA have been associated with foetal growth. To comprehensively assess the role of microRNAs in placental function and foetal development, we have performed small RNA sequencing to profile placental microRNAs from two independent mother-infant cohorts: the Rhode Island Child Health Study (n = 225) and the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study (n = 317). We modelled microRNA counts on infant birthweight percentile (BWP) in each cohort, while accounting for race, sex, parity, and technical factors, using negative binomial generalized linear models. We identified microRNAs that were differentially expressed (DEmiRs) with BWP at false discovery rate (FDR) less than 0.05 in both cohorts. hsa-miR-532-5p (miR-532) was positively associated with BWP in both cohorts. By integrating parallel whole transcriptome and small RNA sequencing in the RICHS cohort, we identified putative targets of miR-532. These targets are enriched for pathways involved in adipogenesis, adipocytokine signalling, energy metabolism, and hypoxia response, and included Leptin, which we further demonstrated to have a decreasing expression with increasing BWP, particularly in male infants. Overall, we have shown a robust and reproducible association of miR-532 with BWP, which could influence BWP through regulation of adipocytokines Leptin and Adiponectin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Kennedy
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karen Hermetz
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amber Burt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Todd M Everson
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maya Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margaret R Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA.,Dartmouth College, Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research Center at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Dong Pei
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Devin C Koestler
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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25
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Payton A, Clark J, Eaves L, Santos HP, Smeester L, Bangma JT, O'Shea TM, Fry RC, Rager JE. Placental genomic and epigenomic signatures associated with infant birth weight highlight mechanisms involved in collagen and growth factor signaling. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:221-230. [PMID: 32721520 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Birth weight (BW) represents an important clinical and toxicological measure, indicative of the overall health of the newborn as well as potential risk for later-in-life outcomes. BW can be influenced by endogenous and exogenous factors and is known to be heavily impacted in utero by the health and function of the placenta. An aspect that remains understudied is the influence of genomic and epigenomic programming within the placenta on infant BW. To address this gap, we set out to test the hypothesis that genes involved in critical placental cell signaling are associated with infant BW, and are likely regulated, in part, through epigenetic mechanisms based on microRNA (miRNA) mediation. This study leveraged a robust dataset based on 390 infants born at low gestational age (ranged 23-27 weeks) to evaluate genome-wide expression profiles of both mRNAs and miRNAs in placenta tissues and relate these to infant BW. A total of 254 mRNAs and 268 miRNAs were identified as associated with BW, the majority of which showed consistent associations across placentas derived from both males and females. BW-associated mRNAs were found to be enriched for important biological pathways, including glycoprotein VI (the major receptor for collagen), human growth, and hepatocyte growth factor signaling, a portion of which were predicted to be regulated by BW-associated miRNAs. These miRNA-regulated pathways highlight key mechanisms potentially linking endogenous/exogenous factors to changes in birth outcomes that may be deleterious to infant and later-in-life health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Payton
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeliyah Clark
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lauren Eaves
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hudson P Santos
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lisa Smeester
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jacqueline T Bangma
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - T Michael O'Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julia E Rager
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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26
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Morales-Prieto DM, Favaro RR, Markert UR. Placental miRNAs in feto-maternal communication mediated by extracellular vesicles. Placenta 2020; 102:27-33. [PMID: 33218575 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A complex network composed of at least 1900 microRNA (miRNA) species orchestrates the development and function of the human placenta. These molecules regulate genes and pathways operating major functional processes in trophoblast cells such as proliferation, invasion, differentiation, and metabolism. Nevertheless, the cellular localization and role of most placental miRNAs remain to be determined. The existence of eutherian- (C14MC) and primate-specific miRNA clusters (C19MC), together with human placenta-specific miRNAs, indicate the relevance of these molecules in evolution and diversification of the placenta, including the acquisition of its unique features in humans. They may be related also to diseases that are exclusively present in primates, such as preeclampsia. Changes in the miRNA expression profile have been reported in several placental pathologies. Which miRNAs are involved in the pathomechanism of these diseases or act to maintain placental homeostasis is uncertain. Placenta-derived miRNAs are packed into extracellular vesicles (EVs) and distributed through the maternal circulation to distant organs, where they contribute to adaptations required during pregnancy. Similarly, the placenta also receives molecular information from other tissues to adapt fetoplacental metabolic demands to the maternal energetic supply. These processes can be impaired in pathologic conditions. Therefore, the collection of circulating placental miRNAs constitutes potentially a minimally-invasive approach to assess the fetoplacental status and to diagnose pregnancy diseases. Future therapies may include manipulation of miRNA levels for prevention and treatment of placental complications to protect maternal health and fetal development.
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El-Akabawy N, Rodriguez M, Ramamurthy R, Rabah A, Trevisan B, Morsi A, George S, Shields J, Meares D, Farland A, Atala A, Doering CB, Spencer HT, Porada CD, Almeida-Porada G. Defining the Optimal FVIII Transgene for Placental Cell-Based Gene Therapy to Treat Hemophilia A. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 17:465-77. [PMID: 32258210 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The delivery of factor VIII (FVIII) through gene and/or cellular platforms has emerged as a promising hemophilia A treatment. Herein, we investigated the suitability of human placental cells (PLCs) as delivery vehicles for FVIII and determined an optimal FVIII transgene to produce/secrete therapeutic FVIII levels from these cells. Using three PLC cell banks we demonstrated that PLCs constitutively secreted low levels of FVIII, suggesting their suitability as a transgenic FVIII production platform. Furthermore, PLCs significantly increased FVIII secretion after transduction with a lentiviral vector (LV) encoding a myeloid codon-optimized bioengineered FVIII containing high-expression elements from porcine FVIII. Importantly, transduced PLCs did not upregulate cellular stress or innate immunity molecules, demonstrating that after transduction and FVIII production/secretion, PLCs retained low immunogenicity and cell stress. When LV encoding five different bioengineered FVIII transgenes were compared for transduction efficiency, FVIII production, and secretion, data showed that PLCs transduced with LV encoding hybrid human/porcine FVIII transgenes secreted substantially higher levels of FVIII than did LV encoding B domain-deleted human FVIII. In addition, data showed that in PLCs, myeloid codon optimization is needed to increase FVIII secretion to therapeutic levels. These studies have identified an optimal combination of FVIII transgene and cell source to achieve clinically meaningful levels of secreted FVIII.
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Abstract
Pregnancy complications of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are major causes of maternal and perinatal/neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although their etiologies remain elusive, it is generally accepted that they are secondary to placental insufficiency conferred by both failure in spiral artery remodeling and uteroplacental vascular malfunction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small no-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs participate in virtually all biological processes and are involved in numerous human diseases. Differentially expressed miRNAs in the placenta are typical features of both preeclampsia and IUGR. Dysregulated miRNAs target genes of various signaling pathways in uteroplacental tissues, contributing to the development of both complications. In this review, we provide an overview of how aberrant miRNA expression in preeclampsia and IUGR impacts the expression of genes involved in trophoblast invasion and uteroplacental vascular adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Qun Hu
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
| | - Lubo Zhang
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
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