The role of homeobox genes in the development of placental insufficiency.
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an adverse pregnancy outcome associated with significant perinatal and pediatric morbidity and mortality, and an increased risk of chronic disease later in adult life. While a number of maternal, fetal and environmental factors are known causes of IUGR, the majority of IUGR cases are of unknown cause. These IUGR cases are frequently associated with placental insufficiency, possibly as a result of placental maldevelopment. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of abnormal placental development in IUGR associated with placental insufficiency is therefore of increasing importance. Here, we review our understanding of transcriptional control of normal placental development as well as human IUGR associated with placental insufficiency. We also assess the potential for understanding transcriptional control as a means for revealing new molecular targets for the detection, diagnosis and clinical management of IUGR associated with placental insufficiency.
Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.
Padma
P
Murthi
Bill
B
Kalionis
Gayathri
G
Rajaraman
Rosemary J
RJ
Keogh
Fabricio
F
Da Silva Costa
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000209:etiology; D005801:Genes, Homeobox; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism; D010927:Placental Insufficiency / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D010929:Placentation; D011247:Pregnancy
D018398:Homeodomain Proteins