MicroRNAs: New Players in the Pathobiology of Preeclampsia

Abstract

Our understanding of how microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene networks and affect different molecular pathways leading to various human pathologies has significantly improved over the years. In contrary, the role of miRNAs in pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia (PE) is only beginning to emerge. Recent papers highlight that adverse pregnancy outcomes are associated with aberrant expression of several miRNAs. Presently, efforts are underway to determine the biologic function of these placental miRNAs which can shed light on their contribution to these pregnancy-related disease conditions. The discovery that miRNAs are stable in circulation coupled with the fact that the placenta is capable of releasing them to the circulation in exosomes generates a lot of enthusiasm to use them as biomarkers. In this review, we will summarize the recent findings of our understanding of miRNA regulation in relation to PE, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Particular emphasis will be given to the role of key miRNA molecules such as miR-210 and miR-155 that are known to be consistently dysregulated in women with PE.

Potential regulatory network in the PSG10P/miR‐19a‐3p/IL1RAP pathway is possibly involved in preeclampsia pathogenesis

“…Growing evidence supports that PE results from abnormal placental development and function, however, the pathophysiological mechanisms of PE remain poorly understood. In normal pregnancies, cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) migrate through the decidua and myometrium in order to invade the maternal spiral arteries of the endothelium and tunica media . Inadequate invasion possibly results in reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP) and placental ischaemia/hypoxia .…”

“…In normal pregnancies, cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) migrate through the decidua and myometrium in order to invade the maternal spiral arteries of the endothelium and tunica media. 5 Inadequate invasion possibly results in reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP) and placental ischaemia/hypoxia. 6 Ischaemia-induced oxidative stress also leads to the apoptosis and necrosis of the placenta as well as the release of several placental factors, resulting in endothelial dysfunction, and systemic inflammation.…”

Long‐term high altitude hypoxia during gestation suppresses large conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channel function in uterine arteries: a causal role for microRNA‐210

“…The elveation of miR‐210 in the uteroplacental tissues has been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and IUGR (Bounds et al . ; Chiofalo et al . ).…”

MicroRNA‐652‐3p promotes the proliferation and invasion of the trophoblast HTR‐8/SVneo cell line by targeting homeobox A9 to modulate the expression of ephrin receptor B4

“…miRNAs regulate multiple fundamental cell processes and participate in the development and progression of various diseases . Of note, a growing body of evidence has suggested that miRNAs are crucial regulators in the pathology of PE . miRNAs are abundantly expressed in human placental tissues, and various miRNAs have been shown to be dysregulated in PE .…”

“…6,7 Of note, a growing body of evidence has suggested that miRNAs are crucial regulators in the pathology of PE. [8][9][10] miRNAs are abundantly expressed in human placental tissues, and various miRNAs have been shown to be dysregulated in PE. 11,12 These abnormally expressed miRNAs can be used as diagnostic markers for PE as well as therapeutic targets.…”