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MicroRNAs, immune cells and pregnancy
Mallikarjun Bidarimath1, Kasra Khalaj2, Jocelyn M Wessels3
1Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ont., Canada.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a recently discovered class of non-coding RNAs that are expressed in many cell types, where they regulate the expression of complementary RNAs, thus modulating the stability and translation of mRNAs. miRNAs are predicted to regulate the expression of ∼50% of all protein coding genes in mammals. Therefore, they participate in virtually all cellular processes investigated so far. Altered miRNAs expressions are associated with both physiological (pregnancy) and pathological processes (cancer). As the dynamic maternal-fetal interface plays a critical role in the maintenance of successful pregnancy, it is not surprising that the miRNAs that are unique to reproductive tissues are abundantly expressed. Research in this field has demonstrated the presence and dysregulation of a distinct set of pregnancy-associated miRNAs; however, most studies have centered on localizing various miRNAs in reproductive microdomains associated with normal or complicated pregnancies. Although several independent miRNA regulatory mechanisms associated with endometrial receptivity, immune cells, angiogenesis and placental development have been studied, miRNA-mediated regulation of pregnancy remains poorly understood. This review provides a summary of the current data on miRNA regulation as well as functional profiles of miRNAs that are found in the uterus, in immune cells associated with maternal tolerance to the fetus, and those involved in angiogenesis and placental development.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are crucial for pregnancy. This review summarizes pregnancy-associated miRNAs in the uterus, immune cells, and placenta, highlighting their role in maternal-fetal health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression in mammals.
- miRNAs influence nearly all cellular processes and are implicated in physiological and pathological states, including pregnancy and cancer.
- The maternal-fetal interface is critical for successful pregnancy, with reproductive tissue-specific miRNAs playing a significant role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current data on miRNA regulation during pregnancy.
- To summarize the functional profiles of key miRNAs involved in pregnancy.
- To explore miRNA roles in the uterus, maternal immune tolerance, angiogenesis, and placental development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on miRNA regulation in pregnancy.
- Analysis of functional data for pregnancy-associated miRNAs.
- Synthesis of information on miRNAs in reproductive microdomains.
Main Results:
- Distinct sets of pregnancy-associated miRNAs are present and often dysregulated in pregnancy.
- miRNAs are involved in endometrial receptivity, immune cell function, angiogenesis, and placental development.
- Despite their importance, miRNA-mediated regulation of pregnancy remains incompletely understood.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are key regulators in pregnancy, influencing maternal-fetal interactions and placental development.
- Further research into miRNA mechanisms is essential for understanding and managing pregnancy complications.
- Targeting specific miRNAs may offer future therapeutic strategies for reproductive health.
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