Differentially expressed microRNAs in maternal plasma for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome (trisomy 21).

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Most developmental processes are under the control of small regulatory RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs). We hypothesize that different fetal developmental processes might be reflected by extracellular miRNAs in maternal plasma and may be utilized as biomarkers for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal aneuploidies. In this proof-of-concept study, we report on the identification of extracellular miRNAs in maternal plasma of Down syndrome (DS) pregnancies.

Methods

Using high-throughput quantitative PCR (HT-qPCR), 1043 miRNAs were investigated in maternal plasma via comparison of seven DS pregnancies with age and fetal sex matched controls.

Results

Six hundred and ninety-five miRNAs were identified. Thirty-six significantly differentially expressed m

SUBMITTER: Kamhieh-Milz J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4244954 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature