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Mechanism of miR-20b-5p targeting HIF-1α in regulating trophoblast function in recurrent spontaneous abortion

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a major pregnancy complication with unclear pathogenesis. This study aims to investigate the role of miR-20b-5p and its downstream target HIF-1α in trophoblast function and RSA pathogenesis. METHODS: Placental villous tissues from uRSA patients and healthy pregnant women were collected to assess trophoblast migration, invasion, apoptosis, and placental angiogenesis. The expression levels of miR-20b-5p and HIF-1α were analyzed using qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. HTR-8/SVneo cells were transfected with miR-20b-5p mimics, si-miR-20b-5p, and si-HIF-1α to evaluate their effects on trophoblast function. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm the regulatory relationship between miR-20b-5p and HIF-1α. RESULTS: Trophoblast cells isolated from uRSA patients exhibited impaired trophoblast invasion and increased trophoblast apoptosis, accompanied by increased trophoblast apoptosis. miR-20b-5p was significantly upregulated, whereas HIF-1α expression was downregulated in uRSA placental tissues. Overexpression of miR-20b-5p inhibited trophoblast migration, invasion, and endothelial-like differentiation, while its knockdown enhanced these functions. HIF-1α was identified as a direct target of miR-20b-5p, and its knockdown partially reversed the effects of miR-20b-5p inhibition. CONCLUSION: miR-20b-5p negatively regulates trophoblast function by targeting HIF-1α, contributing to trophoblast dysfunction and RSA pathogenesis. The miR-20b-5p/HIF-1α axis may serve as a potential therapeutic target for RSA.
DOI: 10.1186/s40001-025-03308-6
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
OpenAlex ID: W4416235145
FWCI: 0.61
Cites: 27
Cited by: 2
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