A Role for microRNAs in the Epigenetic Control of Sexually Dimorphic Gene Expression in the Human Placenta
Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: Aim: The contribution of miRNAs as epigenetic regulators of sexually dimorphic gene expression in the placenta is unknown. Materials & methods: 382 placentas from the extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGAN) cohort were evaluated for expression levels of 37,268 mRNAs and 2,102 miRNAs using genome-wide RNA-sequencing. Differential expression analysis was used to identify differences in the expression based on the sex of the fetus. Results: Sexually dimorphic expression was observed for 128 mRNAs and 59 miRNAs. A set of 25 miRNA master regulators was identified that likely contribute to the sexual dimorphic mRNA expression. Conclusion: These data highlight sex-dependent miRNA and mRNA patterning in the placenta and provide insight into a potential mechanism for observed sex differences in outcomes.
Source: Epigenomics
Language: English
Subfield: Cancer Research
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: National Institutes of Health, NIH Office of the Director, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Awards: G4130672892, Placental DNA Methylation, Maternal Hardship and Child Neurodevelopmental Outcomes, Placental Epigenome and Brain Dysfunction after Preterm Birth, Environment, Epigenetics, Neurodevelopment & Health of Extremely Preterm Children, Neonatal Biomarkers in Extremely Preterm Babies Predict Childhood Brain Disorders, UNC Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility, Environment, Epigenetics, Neurodevelopment & Health of Extremely Preterm Children, The UNC Chapel Hill Superfund Research Program (UNC-SRP)
OpenAlex ID: W3084119190