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Updated: Aug 30, 2025

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Potential Use of Anti-Cancer Drugs for Treatment of Preeclampsia by Targeting the miRNA-IGF1R-PI3K-AKT Axis

Jieyan Li1, Lei Hou1, Rong Zhao1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, No. 251 Yaojiayuan Road Chaoyang, Beijing 100026, China.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : Ecam
|September 1, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study identified a key molecular pathway involving hsa-let-7c and IGF1R in preeclampsia (PE). Inhibitors targeting this pathway show promise for treating this hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Reproductive Medicine

Background:

  • Preeclampsia (PE) is a major cause of maternal mortality globally, classified under hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying PE is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the microRNA (miRNA)-messenger RNA (mRNA)-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in preeclampsia.
  • To discover novel therapeutic strategies for preeclampsia.

Main Methods:

  • Downloaded and analyzed four microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.
  • Identified differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs in placental tissues from preeclampsia patients.
  • Constructed an miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and performed functional enrichment analyses.

Main Results:

  • Identified hsa-let-7c as a key miRNA regulator and IGF1R as a target gene in preeclampsia.
  • The hsa-let-7c/IGF1R axis was found to be closely associated with the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
  • This axis may influence trophoblast invasion, angiogenesis, and inflammation in preeclampsia.

Conclusions:

  • The hsa-let-7c/IGF1R axis plays a significant role in preeclampsia pathogenesis via the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
  • Targeting this pathway with inhibitors (PI3K, AKT, IGF-1 inhibitors) presents a potential therapeutic approach for preeclampsia.

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