The role of microRNAs in preeclampsia

Abstract

AIM: The aim of this study was to review current sources of scientific literature covering the role of miRNAs in preeclampsia. BASIC PROVISIONS: MicroRNAs are a class of short RNA nucleotide sequences that are not involved in protein synthesis, but are capable of controlling complex processes such as cell growth, differentiation, stress response, and tissue remodeling, which under certain conditions play a key role in a variety of pathological processes, including preeclampsia. MicroRNAs regulate up to 60% of the human genome. There are three types of placental miRNAs: placenta-specific, placenta-associated and circulating ones. Three miRNA gene clusters, namely chromosome 19 cluster (C19MC), chromosome 14 cluster (C14MC), and miR-371 ~ 373 cluster, encode most placenta-specific miRNAs. C19MC encodes 58 mature miRNAs and is expressed in trophoblast cells in early pregnancy and then, in placental differentiated cells. C14MC encodes 63 mature microRNAs, which are also expressed in trophoblasts. The miR-371~373 cluster only encodes six mature microRNAs expressed in placental differentiated cells and embryonic stem cells. The functions of placenta-specific miRNAs are being actively studied now. It has been established that the action of these microRNAs is associated with proliferation, apoptosis, migration, angiogenesis of trophoblast cells and placentation in early pregnancy. Recently, special attention has been paid to identifying microRNAs as possible predictors of preeclampsia in early pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Literature data indicate that miRNAs are associated with the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. It has been proven that more than a hundred types of miRNAs are expressed in placental tissues, and some of them can be isolated and detected in peripheral blood and urine in patients with preeclampsia. Studying the miRNA types will allow for determining the most significant prognostic markers for early detection of preeclampsia and developing non-invasive tests.