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Aberration of blastocyst microRNA expression is associated with human infertility

Blair McCallie1, William B Schoolcraft, Mandy G Katz-Jaffe

  • 1Colorado Foundation for Fertility Research, Lone Tree, Colorado, USA.

Fertility and Sterility
|March 20, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human blastocysts from infertile patients show altered microRNA (miRNA) expression. This finding suggests a potential link between aberrant miRNA profiles and the causes of human infertility, including polycystic ovary syndrome and male factor issues.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Molecular genetics
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression.
  • miRNAs play significant roles in disease states and embryonic development.
  • Understanding miRNA expression in human blastocysts is vital for infertility research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate human blastocyst microRNA (miRNA) expression patterns in infertile individuals.
  • To correlate specific miRNA expression profiles with causes of human infertility.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study involving 40 transferable quality human blastocysts from consented donors.
  • Quantitative real-time PCR was used to analyze miRNA expression profiles.
  • Comparison of miRNA expression between blastocysts from infertile patients and fertile controls.

Main Results:

  • Blastocysts from patients with polycystic ovaries or male factor infertility showed significantly decreased expression of six miRNAs compared to fertile controls.
  • Predicted gene targets of these differentially expressed miRNAs are involved in cell growth, maintenance, transcription, nucleic acid binding, and signal transduction.
  • Analysis of three predicted miRNA target genes confirmed altered expression consistent with aberrant miRNA profiles.

Conclusions:

  • This study is the first to report aberrant miRNA profiles in human blastocysts from infertile patients (polycystic ovaries and male factor infertility).
  • The findings suggest a potential association between altered miRNA expression and human infertility.
  • Further research into the role of miRNAs in early human development may elucidate mechanisms of infertility.

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