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Circulating Exosomal miRNA Profile During Term and Preterm Birth Pregnancies: A Longitudinal Study
Ramkumar Menon1, Chirantan Debnath2, Andrew Lai3
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas.
Endocrinology
|October 26, 2018
Summary
Maternal plasma exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) change significantly during pregnancy. These circulating miRNA profiles may serve as a biomarker for predicting term and preterm birth, offering insights into pregnancy progression.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Human parturition mechanisms remain largely unknown despite extensive research.
- Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) in maternal plasma are potential biomarkers for pregnancy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally analyze exosomal miRNA concentration changes in maternal plasma during term and preterm birth (PTB).
- To identify distinct miRNA signatures associated with gestational progression in term versus PTB pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design analyzing maternal plasma exosomes across trimesters and delivery.
- NextSeq 500 sequencing platform used to profile exosomal miRNA content.
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and targeted pathways.
Main Results:
- Significant changes in exosomal miRNA concentrations were observed across gestation in both term (167 miRNAs) and PTB (153 miRNAs) pregnancies.
- A distinct signature of 173 miRNAs differed significantly between term and PTB pregnancies throughout gestation.
- Bioinformatics revealed targeted pathways including TGF-β signaling, p53, and glucocorticoid receptor signaling.
Conclusions:
- Circulating exosomal miRNAs in maternal blood exhibit dynamic changes during pregnancy.
- Exosomal miRNA profiles may function as a biomolecular fingerprint for pregnancy progression and indicate risk for PTB.
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