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Control of RNA content of developing human placenta.

T Kusamran, R Drake, S M Wunderlich

|April 1, 1980

Summary

The full-term human placenta has less RNA per cell due to reduced template availability for RNA synthesis, not increased degradation. This limits gene expression during late pregnancy.

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Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Molecular Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

The human placenta undergoes significant functional and molecular changes throughout pregnancy.
Understanding placental gene expression regulation is crucial for fetal development.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate changes in RNA content, RNA polymerase activity, and chromatin template availability in human placentae from early to full term.
To determine the molecular mechanisms underlying reduced RNA content per cell in late-term placentae.

Main Methods:

Quantification of RNA and DNA content.
Assay of RNA polymerase types and activities in isolated placental nuclei.
Measurement of chromatin template availability for RNA polymerase II transcription.
Use of alpha-amanitin and DEAE-Sephadex chromatography for polymerase characterization.

Main Results:

The RNA:DNA ratio decreased from 0.7 (15-20 weeks) to 0.4 (40 weeks).
RNA polymerase II constituted 55-60% of total RNA polymerase activity at both stages.
Despite a 20% increase in polymerase activity, template availability for RNA polymerase II decreased by 70% in full-term placentae.
Reduced RNA content was attributed to decreased synthesis, not increased degradation.

Conclusions:

Reduced template availability in full-term placental chromatin significantly limits RNA synthesis.
This decrease in template availability more than compensates for the slight increase in RNA polymerase activity.
The findings highlight a critical regulatory mechanism impacting placental gene expression during late pregnancy.

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