Differential placental gene expression in preeclampsia (original) (raw)

Objective-Candidate genes associated with preeclampsia have not been fully described. We conducted microarray and confirmatory QRT-PCR studies to investigate global placental gene expression in preeclampsia. Study design-RNA was extracted from placental samples collected from 18 preeclampsia cases and 18 normotensive controls. Oligonucleotide probes representing 22,000 genes were used to measure gene expression in each sample. Differential gene expression was evaluated using Students T-test, fold change assessment and Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM). Functions and functional relationships of differentially expressed genes were evaluated. Results-Genes (n=58) participating in immune system, inflammation, oxidative stress, signaling, growth and development pathways were differentially expressed in preeclampsia. These genes include previously described candidate genes (such as LEP), potential candidate genes with related functions (such as CYP11A) and novel genes (such as CDKN1C). Conclusion-Expression of genes (both candidate and novel) with diverse functions is associated with preeclampsia risk, reflecting the complex pathogenesis.