Small non-coding RNAs transfer through mammalian placenta and directly regulate fetal gene expression.

Abstract

Increasing evidence demonstrated that exogenous plant miRNAs in the diet can be absorbed and are found in mammalian tissues. These miRNAs influence the physiological and pathological progression of the recipient. In this issue, Jing Li and colleagues further reveal that exogenous/ endogenous small non-coding RNA in the maternal system can transfer through the placenta to the fetal side and influence fetal development and health. These surprising finding demonstrate that maternal miRNAs profiling are very important to fetal development, which means maternal diet and the healthy status may influence fetal development and the postnatal morbidity via transplacental small non-coding RNAs. Furthermore, this finding also proposes a brand new potential strategy to treat fetal diseases in utero. Combining with gene therapy, maternal administrating represents a new trend for treating fetal diseases. —Yali Hiu