Placental lncRNA Expression in Monochorionic Twins with Selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Abstract

Abstract Background Selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) affects about 10–15% of monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies. The lncRNA profiles of placenta complicated with sIUGR are unknown. In the present study, the sIUGR-associated placental lncRNA expression was investigated using sequencing and confirmatory reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction studies. Methods Placenta samples around the insertion region of the umbilical cord were collected from monochorionic twins complicated with (n = 9) or without sIUGR (control, n = 9). lncRNA and mRNA profile analysis was performed using transcriptome sequencing and validated by RT-PCR. Results A total of 30 lncRNAs were differentially expressed (17 up-regulated and 13 down-regulated) in the placenta of sIUGR cases compared with control cases. The differentially expressed lncRNAs were mainly involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway (MAPK signaling pathway), ubiquitin proteasome pathway and angiogenesis pathway, which might be associated with the pathogenesis of sIUGR. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, the findings of the current study have provided the first lncRNA profiles and the possible lncRNA regulatory networks of placental tissues complicated with sIUGR.