The placenta epigenome-brain axis: placental epigenomic and transcriptomic responses that preprogram cognitive...

Area of Science:

• Developmental biology
• Neuroscience
• Epigenetics

Background:

• The placenta-brain axis highlights how placental function influences neurodevelopment.
• Disruptions in placental function are linked to later-life neurodevelopmental impairments.
• The role of placental gene expression and microRNAs (miRNAs) in these impairments is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between placental gene expression, miRNA regulation, and neurocognitive function in adolescents.
• To explore the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the placenta-brain connection.

Main Methods:

• Assessed expression levels of 37,268 mRNAs and 2,083 miRNAs in placentas from 386 participants in the ELGAN study cohort.
• Evaluated neurocognitive function in ELGAN adolescents at age 10.
• Determined associations between placental mRNA/miRNA expression and neurocognitive outcomes.

Main Results:

• Identified placental mRNAs involved in inflammatory and apoptotic pathways.
• Demonstrated that these mRNAs are under miRNA control.
• Found a significant association between these placental molecular profiles and cognitive impairment at age 10.

Conclusions:

• Placental epigenome-brain relationships are crucial for understanding neurodevelopmental outcomes.
• Findings support the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis.
• Highlights specific placental molecular pathways implicated in cognitive function.