Extracellular vesicle-enriched miRNA profiles across pregnancy in the MADRES cohort

Abstract

MicroRNA (miRNA) circulating in plasma have been proposed as biomarkers for a variety of conditions and diseases, including complications during pregnancy. During pregnancy, about 15–25% of maternal plasma exosomes, a small size-class of EVs, are hypothesized to originate in the placenta, and may play a role in communication between the fetus and mother. However, few studies have addressed changes in miRNA over the course of pregnancy with repeated measures, nor focused on diverse populations. We describe changes in miRNA in early and late pregnancy from the MADRES cohort of primarily low-income Hispanic women based in Los Angeles, CA. miRNA derived from extracellular-vesicles (EVs) were isolated from maternal blood plasma samples collected in early and late pregnancy. In this study, we identified 64 of 130 detectable miRNA which significantly increased with gestational age at the time of collection (GA), and 26 which decreased with GA. Possible fetal sex-specific associations were observed for 30 of these 90 significant miRNA. Predicted gene targets for miRNA significantly associated with GA were identified using MirDIP and were found to be enriched for Gene Ontology categories that included energetic and metabolic processes but were underrepresented in immune-related categories. Circulating EV-associated miRNA during pregnancy are likely important for maternal-fetal communication, and may play roles in supporting and maintaining a healthy pregnancy, given the changing needs of the fetus.

MicroRNA Associations with Preterm Labor—A Systematic Review

“…Foley et al explored maternal plasma exosomes during pregnancy, unveiling alterations in miRNA profiles, particularly related to energetic and metabolic processes, in both early and late pregnancy. These findings significantly contribute to understanding the mechanisms supporting a healthy pregnancy [26]. Gródecka-Szwajkiewicz et al investigated angiogenic factors and miRNAs in umbilical cord blood, distinguishing between preterm and term newborns.…”

Assessment of the Feasibility of a Future Integrated Larger-Scale Epidemiological Study to Evaluate Health Risks of Air Pollution Episodes in Children

“…In this study, miR-222 and miR-146a were investigated, two potential biomarkers that are responsive to PM exposure in adults [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. The selected methods included commercial kits and assays which were successfully used in previous studies involving other biofluids, such as blood and sweat [ 68 , 69 ]. The results of our study confirmed the rationale of using EVs in saliva as a source for investigating specific extracellular miRNAs as biomarkers of air pollution exposure.…”

Are there foetal extracellular vesicles in maternal blood? Prospects for diagnostic biomarker discovery

“…Mice expressing either the ectopic human C19MC paternalimprinted cluster [119] or with a knockout of the maternalimprinted C14MC cluster [120] show increased placental growth [121]. A number of studies have suggested that these miRNAs may be present in EVs released by the placenta and that levels increase in maternal blood during pregnancy, before decreasing following birth [122][123][124][125][126]. They have also been detected in umbilical cord blood, suggesting communication from placenta to foetus [127].…”