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Corti G, Kim J, Enguita FJ, Guarnieri JW, Grossman LI, Costes SV, Fuentealba M, Scott RT, Magrini A, Sanders LM, Singh K, Sen CK, Juran CM, Paul AM, Furman D, Calleja-Agius J, Mason CE, Galeano D, Bottini M, Beheshti A. To boldly go where no microRNAs have gone before: spaceflight impact on risk for small-for-gestational-age infants. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1268. [PMID: 39369042 PMCID: PMC11455966 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06944-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In the era of renewed space exploration, comprehending the effects of the space environment on human health, particularly for deep space missions, is crucial. While extensive research exists on the impacts of spaceflight, there is a gap regarding female reproductive risks. We hypothesize that space stressors could have enduring effects on female health, potentially increasing risks for future pregnancies upon return to Earth, particularly related to small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses. To address this, we identify a shared microRNA (miRNA) signature between SGA and the space environment, conserved across humans and mice. These miRNAs target genes and pathways relevant to diseases and development. Employing a machine learning approach, we identify potential FDA-approved drugs to mitigate these risks, including estrogen and progesterone receptor antagonists, vitamin D receptor antagonists, and DNA polymerase inhibitors. This study underscores potential pregnancy-related health risks for female astronauts and proposes pharmaceutical interventions to counteract the impact of space travel on female health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Corti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - JangKeun Kim
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Francisco J Enguita
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joseph W Guarnieri
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Division of Human Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lawrence I Grossman
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sylvain V Costes
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | | | - Ryan T Scott
- KBR, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | - Andrea Magrini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Lauren M Sanders
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | - Kanhaiya Singh
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chandan K Sen
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Cassandra M Juran
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Daytona Beach, FL, USA
| | - Amber M Paul
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Daytona Beach, FL, USA
| | - David Furman
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
- Stanford 1000 Immunomes Project, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diego Galeano
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, MF9M + 958, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Massimo Bottini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Center for Space Biomedicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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García-Muro C, Toledo-Gotor C, Pasamón-García S, de Pablo-de Las Heras M, Esteban-Zubero E, Ruiz Del Prado MY, Domínguez-Garrido E. miRNAs in umbilical Wharton's jelly in neonates with different birth weights: A pilot study. Gene 2024; 933:148984. [PMID: 39374817 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2024] [Revised: 10/01/2024] [Accepted: 10/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birth weight is a critical indicator of perinatal health. miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules, ranging from 18 to 25 nucleotides in length, that regulate gene expression. Specific miRNAs have been implicated in metabolic pathways influencing fetal growth, and their dysregulation may contribute to variations in birth weight. Our objective was to isolate amplifiable miRNAs from umbilical cord tissue and compare their expression across three patient groups. METHODS The study sample comprised 23 patients: 8 small for gestational age (SGA), 10 large for gestational age (LGA), and 5 appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Umbilical cord tissue samples were collected immediately after childbirth, stored, and subsequently processed. The miRNA expression profile of these samples was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing, and the results were evaluated through bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS We identified significant differences in the expression levels of 6 miRNAs. miR-324-3p was downregulated in SGA compared to both AGA and LGA groups. Conversely, miR-337-3p was upregulated in LGA compared to both SGA and AGA. miR-760 was downregulated in LGA relative to SGA and AGA, while miR-4707-3p, miR-548a-3p, and miR-6733-5p were upregulated in both SGA and LGA compared to AGA. Most of these miRNAs appear to be associated with the transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory study suggests that miRNA expression in umbilical cord tissue is associated with birth weight. Notably, the downregulation of miR-324-3p in SGA newborns indicates that its decreased expression may be related to SGA conditions.
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Tian A, Meng F, Li S, Wu Y, Zhang C, Luo X. Inadequate linear catch-up growth in children born small for gestational age: Influencing factors and underlying mechanisms. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2024; 25:805-816. [PMID: 38763958 PMCID: PMC11294269 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-024-09885-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
A minority of children born small for gestational age (SGA) may experience catch-up growth failure and remain short in adulthood. However, the underlying causes and mechanisms of this phenomenon are not yet fully comprehended. We reviewed the present state of research concerning the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor axis and growth plate in SGA children who fail to achieve catch-up growth. Additionally, we explored the factors influencing catch-up growth in SGA children and potential molecular mechanisms involved. Furthermore, we considered the potential benefits of supplementary nutrition, specific dietary patterns, probiotics and drug therapy in facilitating catch-up growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anran Tian
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Fucheng Meng
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Sujuan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yichi Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Xiaoping Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Xu XR, Cheng L, Wang YP. Prediction of severe preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction based on serum placental exosome miR-520a-5p levels during the first-trimester. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38188. [PMID: 38758859 PMCID: PMC11098175 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the predictive capabilities of serum exosomal levels of micro-RNA-520a-5p (miR-520a-5p) concerning the occurrence of severe preeclampsia (sPE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) during the first trimester of pregnancy. METHODS During the period spanning from October 2020 to October 2021, serum samples were procured from the first trimester and subsequently preserved by freezing at -80 ℃. These samples were obtained from 105 pregnant women in a nested case-control study. This cohort consisted of individuals who later developed sPE (sPE group, n = 35) and FGR (FGR group, n = 35) during the third trimester. Additionally, 35 women with normal blood pressure were denoted as normal pregnancy group. Serum samples from the first trimester were retrieved from all groups for further analysis after thawing. Exosomes were extracted from the serum samples collected during the first trimester and examined using transmission electron microscopy, western blot, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Additionally, the determination of their placental origin was also established during the course of the study. Exosome miR-520a-5p levels were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays, primarily involving quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions. Fetal placental tissues from the 3 groups were collected shortly after birth, and miR-520a-5p expression was measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Serum placental exosomes and fetal placental tissues were compared for miR-520a-5p levels. Placental trophoblasts were identified as the source of serum exosomes in all 3 groups. RESULTS It was found that serum placental exosomes exhibited lower levels of miR-520a-5p in both the sPE and FGR groups when compared to the normal pregnancy group. This finding was consistent with observations made in postpartum placental tissues. The predictive accuracy for sPE using miR-520a-5p levels in serum placental exosomes during the first trimester was notably higher (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.806, P <.05) compared to the prediction of FGR (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.628, P <.05). CONCLUSION Placenta-derived exosomes can be extracted from maternal serum during the first trimester of pregnancy and miR-520a-5p detected from the exosomes. The downregulation of miR-520a-5p serves as a more predictive indicator for the subsequent development of sPE compared to predicting FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Ran Xu
- Obstetrics Department of Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, China
- NanKai University Affiliated Maternity Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin, China
| | - Lan Cheng
- Obstetrics Department of Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, China
- NanKai University Affiliated Maternity Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan-Ping Wang
- Obstetrics Department of Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, China
- NanKai University Affiliated Maternity Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin, China
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Jeong HR, Hwang IT. MicroRNAs as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric diseases. Clin Exp Pediatr 2024; 67:119-125. [PMID: 37232075 PMCID: PMC10915459 DOI: 10.3345/cep.2023.00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by silencing or degrading messenger RNAs. Many of the approximately 2,500 miRNAs discovered in humans are known to regulate vital biological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and embryonic tissue development. Aberrant miRNA expression may have pathological and malignant consequences. Therefore, miRNAs have emerged as novel diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for various diseases. Children undergo various stages of growth, development, and maturation between birth and adulthood. It is important to study the role of miRNA expression in normal growth and disease development during these developmental stages. In this mini-review, we discuss the role of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in various pediatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwal Rim Jeong
- Department of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Il Tae Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Micro-RNAs in Human Placenta: Tiny Molecules, Immense Power. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27185943. [PMID: 36144676 PMCID: PMC9501247 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding single-stranded RNAs that modulate the expression of various target genes after transcription. The expression and distribution of kinds of miRNAs have been characterized in human placenta during different gestational stages. The identified miRNAs are recognized as key mediators in the regulation of placental development and in the maintenance of human pregnancy. Aberrant expression of miRNAs is associated with compromised pregnancies in humans, and dysregulation of those miRNAs contributes to the occurrence and development of related diseases during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), recurrent miscarriage, preterm birth (PTB) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA). Thus, having a better understanding of the expression and functions of miRNAs in human placenta during pregnancy and thereby developing novel drugs targeting the miRNAs could be a potentially promising method in the prevention and treatment of relevant diseases in future. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of the expression pattern and function regulation of miRNAs in human placental development and related diseases.
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