HLA-G expression in placenta in relation to HLA-G genotype and polymorphisms.
OBJECTIVE
The expression of the non-classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class Ib gene, HLA-G, seems to be important at the feto-maternal interface. The HLA-G molecule is almost monomorphic and expressed in both membrane-bound and soluble isoforms. It has been shown to inhibit natural killer cell -mediated lysis and influence cytokine expression. HLA-G gene polymorphism has been linked to differences in gene expression profile of alternatively spliced HLA-G transcripts and levels of specific HLA-G messenger RNA (mRNA) isoforms. Furthermore, aberrant HLA-G expression has been reported in preeclamptic placentas. On this background it is of general interest to further elucidate any associations between HLA-G polymorphism and protein expression.


METHODS
We have investigated HLA-G protein expression by immunohistochemistry in HLA-G genotyped placentas from term. HLA-G mRNA expression in preeclamptic placentas and in control placentas was also studied by microarray technology.


CONCLUSIONS
The studies of HLA-G protein expression in term placentas by immunohistochemical analysis showed no clear associations with HLA-G genotypes although this could be because of the very semi-quantitative nature of this technique. However, we found a tendency towards reduction of HLA-G mRNA expression in placentas from preeclamptic cases compared to matched controls with the use of microarray technology.
Hviid
Thomas Vauvert F
TV
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. hviid@dadlnet.dk
Larsen
Lise Grupe
LG
Hoegh
Anne Mette
AM
Bzorek
Michael
M
D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000235:genetics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D006680:HLA Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D012333:RNA, Messenger