Abstract
Development of particular structures and proper functioning of the placenta are under the influence of sophisticated pathways, controlled by the expression of substantial genes that are additionally regulated by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). To date, the expression profile of lncRNA in human term placenta has not been fully established. This study was conducted to characterize the lncRNA expression profile in human term placenta and to verify whether there are differences in the transcriptomic profile between the sex of the fetus and pregnancy multiplicity. RNA-Seq data were used to profile, quantify, and classify lncRNAs in human term placenta. The applied methodology enabled detection of the expression of 4463 isoforms from 2899 annotated lncRNA loci, plus 990 putative lncRNA transcripts from 607 intergenic regions. Those placentally expressed lncRNAs displayed features such as shorter transcript length, longer exon length, fewer exons, and lower expression levels compared to messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Among all placental transcripts, 175,268 were classified as mRNAs and 15,819 as lncRNAs, and 56,727 variants were discovered within unannotated regions. Five differentially expressed lncRNAs (HAND2-AS1, XIST, RP1-97J1.2, AC010084.1, TTTY15) were identified by a sex-bias comparison. Splicing events were detected within 37 genes and 4 lncRNA loci. Functional analysis of cis-related potential targets for lncRNAs identified 2021 enriched genes. It is presumed that the obtained data will expand the current knowledge of lncRNAs in placenta and human non-coding catalogs, making them more contemporary and specific.
Highlights
The placenta serves as a metabolic, respiratory, excretory, and endocrine organ, whose proper functioning is required for adequate embryonic development during pregnancy [1]
This study focused on the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) profile to investigate possible mechanisms regulating the expression profile of the human placenta
Placenta fine-tunes the expression of various genes involved in major molecular mechanisms essential in pregnancy maintenance and fetal development [2,3,28]
Summary
The placenta serves as a metabolic, respiratory, excretory, and endocrine organ, whose proper functioning is required for adequate embryonic development during pregnancy [1]. Disruptions to adaptive changes in the placental transcriptome as a response to altering the feto-maternal environment may be associated with pregnancy complications and compromised fetal outcomes. In this context, defining differences in placenta-specific gene expression regarding the sex of the fetus and the multiplicity of gestation could contribute to the understanding of placental development and function. Since revealing factors that influence the placental expression profile is necessary, this study was conducted to examine whether there are differences in the transcriptomic profile of the human placenta compared for sex of the fetus and number of fetuses. This study focused on the lncRNA profile to investigate possible mechanisms regulating the expression profile of the human placenta
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
