Placental microRNA methylome signatures may serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for prenatally opioid-exposed infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The neonate exposed to opioids in utero faces a constellation of withdrawal symptoms postpartum commonly called neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). The incidence of NOWS has increased in recent years due to the opioid epidemic. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in gene regulation. Epigenetic variations in microRNAs (miRNAs) and their impact on addiction-related processes is a rapidly evolving area of research. Methods: The Illumina Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip was used to analyze DNA methylation levels of miRNA-encoding genes in 96 human placental tissues to identify miRNA gene methylation profiles as-sociated with NOWS: 32 from mothers whose prenatally opioid-exposed infants required pharmacologic manag

SUBMITTER: Radhakrishna U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10332887 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature