Mouillet Jean-François, Ouyang Yingshi, Coyne Carolyn B, Sadovsky Yoel
Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Oct;213(4 Suppl):S163-72. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.05.057.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a large family of small noncoding RNAs that are encoded by the genomes of most organisms. They regulate gene expression through posttranscriptional mechanisms to attenuate protein output in various genetic networks. The discovery of miRNAs has transformed our understanding of gene regulation and sparked intense efforts intended to harness their potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic tools. Over the last decade, a flurry of studies has shed light on placental miRNAs but has also raised many questions regarding the scope of their biologic action. Moreover, the recognition that miRNAs of placental origin are released continually in the maternal circulation throughout pregnancy suggested that circulating miRNAs might serve as biomarkers for placental function during pregnancy. Although this generated much enthusiasm, recently recognized challenges have delayed the application of miRNA-based biomarkers and therapeutics in clinical practice. In this review, we summarize key findings in the field and discuss current knowledge related to miRNAs in the context of placental biology.
微小RNA（miRNA）构成了一个由大多数生物体基因组编码的小型非编码RNA大家族。它们通过转录后机制调节基因表达，以减弱各种基因网络中的蛋白质输出。miRNA的发现改变了我们对基因调控的理解，并引发了人们为挖掘其作为诊断标志物和治疗工具的潜力而付出的巨大努力。在过去十年中，一系列研究揭示了胎盘miRNA，但也引发了许多关于其生物学作用范围的问题。此外，人们认识到胎盘来源的miRNA在整个孕期持续释放入母体循环，这表明循环miRNA可能作为孕期胎盘功能的生物标志物。尽管这引发了极大的热情，但最近认识到的挑战推迟了基于miRNA的生物标志物和治疗方法在临床实践中的应用。在这篇综述中，我们总结了该领域的关键发现，并在胎盘生物学的背景下讨论了与miRNA相关的现有知识。
