Differentially expressed microRNAs in maternal plasma for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome (trisomy 21). | - CCMAR -

Journal Article

TitleDifferentially expressed microRNAs in maternal plasma for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome (trisomy 21).
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsKamhieh-Milz, J, Moftah, RFadl Hassa, Bal, G, Futschik, ME, Sterzer, V, Khorramshahi, O, Burow, M, Thiel, G, Stuke-Sontheimer, A, Chaoui, R, Kamhieh-Milz, S, Salama, A
Year of Publication2014
JournalBiomed Res Int
Volume2014
Date Published2014
Pagination402475
ISSN2314-6141
KeywordsAdult, Biomarkers, Down Syndrome, Female, Humans, Male, MicroRNAs, Pregnancy, Prenatal Diagnosis, Transforming Growth Factor beta, Trisomy
Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Most developmental processes are under the control of small regulatory RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs). We hypothesize that different fetal developmental processes might be reflected by extracellular miRNAs in maternal plasma and may be utilized as biomarkers for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal aneuploidies. In this proof-of-concept study, we report on the identification of extracellular miRNAs in maternal plasma of Down syndrome (DS) pregnancies.

METHODS: Using high-throughput quantitative PCR (HT-qPCR), 1043 miRNAs were investigated in maternal plasma via comparison of seven DS pregnancies with age and fetal sex matched controls.

RESULTS: Six hundred and ninety-five miRNAs were identified. Thirty-six significantly differentially expressed mature miRNAs were identified as potential biomarkers. Hierarchical cluster analysis of these miRNAs resulted in the clear discrimination of DS from euploid pregnancies. Gene targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs were enriched in signaling pathways such as mucin type-O-glycans, ECM-receptor interactions, TGF-beta, and endocytosis, which have been previously associated with DS.

CONCLUSIONS: miRNAs are promising and stable biomarkers for a broad range of diseases and may allow a reliable, cost-efficient diagnostic tool for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of DS.

DOI10.1155/2014/402475
Sapientia

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25478570?dopt=Abstract

Alternate JournalBiomed Res Int
PubMed ID25478570
PubMed Central IDPMC4244954
CCMAR Authors