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Microsatellite DNA Genotyping and Flow Cytometry Ploidy Analyses of Formalin-fixed Paraffin-embedded Hydatidiform Molar Tissues
Published on: October 20, 2019
MicroRNA profiling in complete and partial hydatidiform moles
W K Chia1, H X Y Yeoh1, M Mustangin1
1Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Introduction:
Hydatidiform mole is one of the gestational trophoblastic disease and comprises complete (CM) and partial moles (PM), which carries a risk of developing persistence disease, invasive mole or choriocarcinoma. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been discovered in various tissues, including neoplastic tissues. Its role in the pathogenesis of molar pregnancy or as biomarkers are still largely uncertain. The aim of this study is to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs in CM and PM.
Materials And Methods:
Using next-generation sequencing, the miRNAs profiles of CM (n=3) and PM (n=3) moles, including placenta of non-molar abortus (n=3) as control were determined. The differentially expressed miRNAs between each group were analysed. Subsequently, bioinformatics analysis using miRDB and Targetscan was utilised to predict target genes.
Results:
We found 10 differentially expressed miRNAs in CMs and PMs, compared to NMAs, namely miR- 518a-5p, miR-423-3p, miR-503-5p, miR-302a-3p, and miR-1323. The other 5 miRNAs were novel, not listed in the known database. The 3 differentially expressed miRNAs in CMs were predicted to commonly target ZTBT46 and FAM73B mRNAs.
Discussion:
miR-518 was consistently observed to be downregulated in CM versus PM, and CM versus NMA. Further bioinformatic analysis to provide insight into the possible role of these miRNAs in the pathogenesis of HMs, progression of disease and as potential diagnostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets for HMs is needed.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were identified as differentially expressed in complete (CM) and partial moles (PM). miR-518 was notably downregulated in CM, suggesting its potential role as a biomarker for hydatidiform mole progression.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- Hydatidiform mole, a gestational trophoblastic disease, includes complete (CM) and partial moles (PM).
- These conditions carry risks of developing persistent disease, invasive mole, or choriocarcinoma.
- The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in molar pregnancy pathogenesis and as biomarkers remains largely uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify differentially expressed miRNAs in complete moles (CM) and partial moles (PM).
- To investigate the potential role of these miRNAs in the pathogenesis of hydatidiform moles (HMs).
- To explore the utility of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HMs.
Main Methods:
- Next-generation sequencing was employed to profile miRNAs in CM (n=3), PM (n=3), and non-molar abortus placentas (n=3) as controls.
- Differential expression analysis was performed between the groups.
- Bioinformatics tools (miRDB, Targetscan) were used to predict target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs.
Main Results:
- Ten differentially expressed miRNAs were identified between CMs, PMs, and normal molar tissues (NMAs).
- Specific miRNAs, including miR-518a-5p, miR-423-3p, miR-503-5p, miR-302a-3p, and miR-1323, were identified.
- Three differentially expressed miRNAs in CMs were predicted to target ZTBT46 and FAM73B mRNAs.
Conclusions:
- miR-518 was consistently downregulated in CM compared to both PM and NMA.
- Further bioinformatic analysis is required to elucidate the role of these miRNAs in HM pathogenesis and disease progression.
- These miRNAs show potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for hydatidiform moles.

