Human blastocysts exhibit unique microrna profiles in relation to maternal age and chromosome constitution.
OBJECTIVE
To determine microRNA (miRNA) expression in human blastocysts relative to advanced maternal age and chromosome constitution.


METHODS
Cryopreserved human blastocysts were warmed and underwent a trophectoderm biopsy for comprehensive chromosomal screening. Select blastocysts were then lysed, reverse transcribed, and pre-amplified prior to running real-time PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using an internal constant housekeeping miRNA. Significant microRNA's of interest were then analyzed for their predicted genes and biological pathways. Additional cryopreserved blastocysts were warmed and stained for the SIRT1 protein for validation.


RESULTS
Human blastocysts exhibit unique miRNA expression profiles in relation to maternal age and chromosome constitution. miR-93 was exclusively expressed in blastocysts from women in their forties and further up-regulated with an abnormal chromosome complement. Up-regulated miR-93 resulted in an inverse down-regulation of targets like SIRT1, resulting in reduced oxidative defense.


CONCLUSIONS
MiRNAs play an important role in aging as well as chromosome constitution and have downstream effects that regulate proteins which can compromise embryonic development.
National Foundation for Fertility Research, 10290 RidgeGate Circle, Lone Tree, CO, 80124, USA.
Blair R
BR
McCallie
Jason C
JC
Parks
Alyssa L
AL
Strieby
William B
WB
Schoolcraft
Mandy G
MG
Katz-Jaffe
D000328:Adult; D000782:Aneuploidy; D001755:Blastocyst; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006801:Humans; D008423:Maternal Age; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
D035683:MicroRNAs