Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026
Characterization of In Vitro Differentiation of Human Primary Keratinocytes by RNA-Seq Analysis
Published on: May 16, 2020
Preliminary RNA-Seq Analysis of Long Non-Coding RNAs Expressed in Human Term Placenta
Marta Majewska1, Aleksandra Lipka2, Lukasz Paukszto3
1Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland. marta.majewska@uwm.edu.pl.
Abstract:
Development of particular structures and proper functioning of the placenta are under the influence of sophisticated pathways, controlled by the expression of substantial genes that are additionally regulated by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). To date, the expression profile of lncRNA in human term placenta has not been fully established. This study was conducted to characterize the lncRNA expression profile in human term placenta and to verify whether there are differences in the transcriptomic profile between the sex of the fetus and pregnancy multiplicity. RNA-Seq data were used to profile, quantify, and classify lncRNAs in human term placenta. The applied methodology enabled detection of the expression of 4463 isoforms from 2899 annotated lncRNA loci, plus 990 putative lncRNA transcripts from 607 intergenic regions. Those placentally expressed lncRNAs displayed features such as shorter transcript length, longer exon length, fewer exons, and lower expression levels compared to messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Among all placental transcripts, 175,268 were classified as mRNAs and 15,819 as lncRNAs, and 56,727 variants were discovered within unannotated regions. Five differentially expressed lncRNAs (HAND2-AS1, XIST, RP1-97J1.2, AC010084.1, TTTY15) were identified by a sex-bias comparison. Splicing events were detected within 37 genes and 4 lncRNA loci. Functional analysis of cis-related potential targets for lncRNAs identified 2021 enriched genes. It is presumed that the obtained data will expand the current knowledge of lncRNAs in placenta and human non-coding catalogs, making them more contemporary and specific.
Related Concept Videos
02:39lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
02:39lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
03:21RNA-seq
Before the discovery of RNA-seq, microarray-based methods and Sanger sequencing were used for transcriptome analysis. However, while...
02:30siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
02:57piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs
01:42What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...