High-throughput miRNA-sequencing of the human placenta: expression throughout gestation

Background Altered placenta miRNA abundance may impact the maternal-fetal interface and pregnancy outcomes. Understanding miRNA changes across gestation is essential before miRNAs can be used as biomarkers or prognostic indicators during pregnancy. Materials & Methods Using next-generation sequencing, we characterize the normative human placenta miRNA transcriptome in first (N=113) and third trimester (N=47). Results There are 801 miRNAs expressed in both first and third trimester, including 182 with similar expression across gestation (P≥0.05) and 182 significantly different (FDR<0.05). Of placenta-specific miRNA clusters, C14MC is more upregulated in first trimester and C19MC is more highly expressed overall. Conclusion This work provides a rich atlas of healthy pregnancies to direct functional studies investigating the epigenetic differences in first and third trimester placentae. Lay Abstract The human body produces microRNAs which affect the expression of genes and proteins. This study uses next generation sequencing to identify the microRNA profile of first and third trimester human placentae using a large cohort (N=113 first, N=47 third trimester). All pregnancies resulted in healthy babies. We identify microRNAs with significantly different expression between first and third trimester, as well as stably expressed microRNAs. This work provides a baseline for future studies which may use microRNAs to monitor maternal-fetal health throughout pregnancy.