A role for microRNAs in the epigenetic control of sexually dimorphic gene expression in the human placenta.
Lauren A EavesPreeyaphan PhookphanJulia E RagerJacqueline T BangmaHudson P SantosLisa SmeesterThomas Michael O'SheaRebecca C FryPublished in: Epigenomics (2020)
Aim: The contribution of miRNAs as epigenetic regulators of sexually dimorphic gene expression in the placenta is unknown. Materials & methods: 382 placentas from the extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGAN) cohort were evaluated for expression levels of 37,268 mRNAs and 2,102 miRNAs using genome-wide RNA-sequencing. Differential expression analysis was used to identify differences in the expression based on the sex of the fetus. Results: Sexually dimorphic expression was observed for 128 mRNAs and 59 miRNAs. A set of 25 miRNA master regulators was identified that likely contribute to the sexual dimorphic mRNA expression. Conclusion: These data highlight sex-dependent miRNA and mRNA patterning in the placenta and provide insight into a potential mechanism for observed sex differences in outcomes.
Keyphrases
- gene expression
- dna methylation
- gestational age
- poor prognosis
- genome wide
- binding protein
- endothelial cells
- transcription factor
- preterm birth
- birth weight
- single cell
- type diabetes
- long non coding rna
- electronic health record
- climate change
- machine learning
- human health
- weight gain
- deep learning
- low birth weight
- induced pluripotent stem cells