Differential expression of microRNAs with progression of gestation and inflammation in the human chorioamniotic membranes.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to identify differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in chorioamniotic membranes with advancing gestation, labor, and inflammation.


METHODS
Expression profiles of 157 miRNAs in the chorioamniotic membranes were obtained from patients in the following groups: 1) term not in labor (n = 10); 2) term in labor (n = 10); 3) preterm labor with histologic chorioamionitis (n = 9); and 4) without histologic chorioamnionitis (n = 10).


RESULTS
More than 95% of the miRNAs screened were expressed. Gestational age-dependent changes in expression were observed for 13 miRNAs. No differences in miRNA expression were observed between women without labor and women in labor. Membranes with chorioamnionitis displayed increased expression of miR-223 and miR-338. Gene Ontology analysis of genes targeted by differentially expressed miRNAs revealed enrichment for specific biological process categories.


CONCLUSIONS
Chorioamniotic membranes with advancing gestational age and chorioamnionitis are associated with the differential expression of a subset of miRNAs.
Montenegro
Daniel
D
Perinatology Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development/National Institutes of Health/Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Romero
Roberto
R
Pineles
Beth L
BL
Tarca
Adi L
AL
Kim
Yeon Mee
YM
Draghici
Sorin
S
Kusanovic
Juan Pedro
JP
Kim
Jung-Sun
JS
Erez
Offer
O
Mazaki-Tovi
Shali
S
Hassan
Sonia
S
Espinoza
Jimmy
J
Kim
Chong Jai
CJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000650:Amnion / Q000502:physiology; D002821:Chorioamnionitis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D002823:Chorion / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000235:genetics; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000235:genetics*; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D011247:Pregnancy