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Isolation and Profiling of MicroRNA-containing Exosomes from Human Bile
Published on: June 13, 2016
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Trimester-specific plasma exosome microRNA expression profiles in preeclampsia
Eric Devor1, Donna Santillan1, Sabrina Scroggins1
1Obstetrics and Gynecology, Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Summary
Certain microRNAs (miRNAs) are differentially expressed in plasma exosomes of women with preeclampsia. Some of these potential early biomarkers appear in the first trimester, aiding in preeclampsia risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Genetics and Genomics
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Background:
- Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are found in exosomes.
- Exosomal miRNAs are emerging as potential biomarkers for various diseases, including preeclampsia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific microRNAs (miRNAs) with differential expression in plasma exosomes from preeclampsia patients compared to healthy controls.
- To investigate the potential of these exosomal miRNAs as early diagnostic markers for preeclampsia risk.
Main Methods:
- Exosomes were isolated from plasma samples collected during each trimester from women who later developed preeclampsia and from healthy pregnant controls.
- RNA was extracted from purified exosomes, and the expression of 368 miRNAs was profiled using TaqMan low-density array (TLDA).
- Statistical analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs between the preeclampsia and control groups.
Main Results:
- Approximately one-third of the profiled miRNAs were not detected in plasma exosomes; these were evolutionarily younger and had distinct sequence signatures.
- Eight specific miRNAs (miR-134, miR-196b, miR-302c, miR-346, miR-376c, miR-486-3p, miR-590-5p, and miR-618) showed statistically significant differential expression in preeclampsia.
- Four of these miRNAs (miR-134, miR-376c, miR-486-3p, and miR-590-5p) exhibited significant differential expression as early as the first trimester.
Conclusions:
- Not all miRNAs are expressed in exosomes; expressed miRNAs have distinct evolutionary and sequence characteristics.
- A subset of exosomal miRNAs demonstrates altered expression patterns in women who develop preeclampsia.
- Several differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs identified in the first trimester hold promise as early predictive biomarkers for preeclampsia.
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