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Published on: February 6, 2017
MicroRNAs in Preeclampsia
Georgios Skalis1, Vasiliki Katsi2, Antigoni Miliou3
1Department of Cardiology, Helena Venizelou Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Abstract:
Preeclampsia (PE) continues to represent a worldwide problem and challenge for both clinicians and laboratory-based doctors. Despite many efforts, the knowledge acquired regarding its pathogenesis and pathophysiology does not allow us to treat it efficiently. It is not possible to arrest its progressive nature, and the available therapies are limited to symptomatic treatment. Furthermore, both the diagnosis and prognosis are frequently uncertain, whilst the ability to predict its occurrence is very limited. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs discovered two decades ago, and present great interest given their ability to regulate almost every aspect of the cell function. A lot of evidence regarding the role of miRNAs in pre-eclampsia has been accumulated in the last 10 years. Differentially expressed miRNAs are characteristic of both mild and severe PE. In many cases they target signaling pathway-related genes that result in altered processes which are directly involved in PE. Immune system, angiogenesis and trophoblast proliferation and invasion, all fundamental aspects of placentation, are controlled in various degrees by miRNAs which are up- or downregulated. Finally, miRNAs represent a potential therapeutic target and a diagnostic tool.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in preeclampsia (PE) pathogenesis. Understanding their role offers potential for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this complex pregnancy disorder.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Preeclampsia (PE) poses significant global health challenges, with limited understanding of its pathogenesis hindering effective treatment.
- Current therapies for PE are primarily symptomatic, and diagnostic/prognostic tools remain limited.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs regulating cellular functions, have emerged as critical players in biological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE).
- To investigate miRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PE.
Main Methods:
- Review of accumulated evidence on miRNA involvement in preeclampsia over the last decade.
- Analysis of studies identifying differentially expressed miRNAs in mild and severe PE.
- Examination of miRNA-targeted genes and affected cellular pathways.
Main Results:
- Differentially expressed miRNAs are characteristic of both mild and severe PE.
- miRNAs regulate key pathways involved in PE, including immune response, angiogenesis, and trophoblast function.
- Altered miRNA expression impacts fundamental aspects of placentation.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are significantly implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
- miRNAs represent promising diagnostic biomarkers for PE.
- miRNAs hold potential as future therapeutic targets for preeclampsia management.
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