Objective-The role of post-transcription regulation in preeclampsia is largely unknown. We investigated preeclampsia related placental microRNA (miRNA) expression using microarray and confirmatory qRT-PCR experiments.Study design-Placental expressions of characterized and novel miRNAs (1,295 probes) were measured in samples collected from 20 preeclampsia cases and 20 controls. Differential expression was evaluated using Students T-test and fold change analyses. In pathway analysis, we examined functions/functional relationships of targets of differentially expressed miRNAs.Results-Eight miRNAs were differentially expressed (1 up-and 7 down-regulated) among preeclampsia cases compared with controls. These included previously identified candidates (miR-210, miR-1 and a miRNA in the 14q32.31 cluster region) and others that are novel (miR-584 and miR-34c-5p). These miRNAs target genes that participate in organ/system development (cardiovascular and reproductive system), immunologic dysfunction, cell adhesion, cell cycle and signaling.Conclusion-Expression of microRNAs that target genes in diverse pathophysiological processes is altered in the setting of preeclampsia.

Retinal ganglion cells apoptosis is linked to matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) controlled changes of extracellular matrix. Abnormal expression of MMP-9 is associated with glaucomatous alterations. Thus, the knowledge of MMP-9 regulation is important for the understanding the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Here, we investigated the role of 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTR) and microRNAs in MMP-9 regulation. We used in vitro mutagenesis and Luc reporter system to identify regulatory elements in the 3′-UTR of MMP-9. microRNAs were analyzed by qRT-PCR, and their role was investigated with inhibitors and mimics. We identified targets for miRNAs in 3′-UTR of MMP-9 involved in the regulation of MMP-9 expression. We then isolated miRNAs from the optic nerve A7 astrocytes and 293 T cells and confirmed the role of mi340 in the regulation using specific inhibitors and mimics. The results obtained show a new miRNA-mediated mechanism of MMP-9 expression regulation.