Whole-genome microarray and targeted analysis of angiogenesis-regulating gene expression (ENG, FLT1, VEGF, PlGF) in placentas from pre-eclamptic and small-for-gestational-age pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the placental pathology associated with pre-eclampsia (PE) and/or fetal growth restriction, the transcriptomes of placental tissues from PE and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) pregnancies were explored. In addition, a targeted analysis of angiogenesis-regulating gene expression was performed.


METHODS
Whole-genome microarray analysis was performed on placental tissue from gestational age-matched PE (n = 10), SGA (n = 8) and PE + SGA (n = 10) pregnancies. The expression of genes regulating angiogenesis (endoglin (ENG), fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF)) was analyzed by quantitative real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).


RESULTS
Microarray analysis did not reveal any significant differences between groups. However, an increased expression of ENG and FLT1 was detected by qRT-PCR in the PE + SGA group.


CONCLUSIONS
The placental transcriptome did not differ between groups, although an increased anti-angiogenic gene expression in PE + SGA was observed with qRT-PCR analysis. Based on this, we conclude that although microarray technology may represent a powerful tool in generating new hypothesis in complex fields, it may not be sensitive enough to detect subtle changes in gene expression.
Toft
Johanne Holm
JH
Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
Lian
Ingrid Alsos
IA
Tarca
Adi Laurentiu
AL
Erez
Offer
O
Espinoza
Jimmy
J
Eide
Irina Poliakova
IP
Bjørge
Line
L
Draghici
Sorin
S
Romero
Roberto
R
Austgulen
Rigmor
R
D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000235:genetics*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D015331:Cohort Studies; D000071063:Endoglin; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000235:genetics*; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D000072483:Placenta Growth Factor; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000235:genetics*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000235:genetics; D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / Q000235:genetics*
D015703:Antigens, CD; C064206:ENG protein, human; D000071063:Endoglin; C000608036:PGF protein, human; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000072483:Placenta Growth Factor; C501162:FLT1 protein, human; D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1