MicroRNAs are heterochronic molecules important during brain development, which could be altered by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). To explore these molecules in maternal serum, we performed an RT-qPCR analysis. Our results revealed the heterochronic character of some neural development-related microRNA in serum samples of pregnant women. In relation to the first trimester, higher levels of miR-183-5p, -200b-3p, and -125-5p in the second trimester, and higher levels of miR-137 in the third trimester, were found. Furthermore, an insult such as GDM led to higher levels of miR-183-5p, -200b-3p, -125-5p, and -1290 relative to the control in the first trimester, which might be related to changes in neurogenesis and cell proliferation. An in silico analysis suggested that increased microRNAs in the second trimester in the control contributed to cell proliferation and neuron differentiation and that the rise in miR-137 in the third trimester led to neuron maturation. In the diabetic, higher levels of the microRNAs in the first trimester suggested alterations in cell proliferation and neuron differentiation. In conclusion, we showed that fetal-related microRNAs can be detected in the serum of pregnant woman and exhibit temporary regulation during pregnancy and that microRNAs involved in cell proliferation and neuron differentiation are upregulated under GDM.
AbstractDuring early and late embryo neurodevelopment, a large number of molecules work together in a spatial and temporal manner to ensure the adequate formation of an organism. Diverse signals participate in embryo patterning and organization synchronized by time and space. Among the molecules that are expressed in a temporal and spatial manner, and that are considered essential in several developmental processes, are the microRNAs (miRNAs). In this review, we highlight some important aspects of the biogenesis and function of miRNAs as well as their participation in ectoderm commitment and their role in central nervous system (CNS) development. Instead of giving an extensive list of miRNAs involved in these processes, we only mention those miRNAs that are the most studied during the development of the CNS as well as the most likely mRNA targets for each miRNA and its protein functions.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.