MicroRNAs: key regulators of the trophoblast function in pregnancy disorders

Abstract

The placenta is essential for a successful pregnancy and healthy intrauterine development in mammals. During human pregnancy, the growth and development of the placenta are inseparable from the rapid proliferation, invasion, and migration of trophoblast cells. Previous reports have shown that the occurrence of many pregnancy disorders may be closely related to the dysfunction of trophoblasts. However, the function regulation of human trophoblast cells in the placenta is poorly understood. Therefore, studying the factors that regulate the function of trophoblast cells is necessary. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding, single-stranded RNA molecules. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs play a crucial role in regulating trophoblast functions. This review outlines the role of miRNAs in regulating the function of trophoblast cells and several common signaling pathways related to miRNA regulation in pregnancy disorders.

MicroRNA Associations with Preterm Labor—A Systematic Review

“…Li et al explored the role of miRNAs in immune cells during pregnancy, specifically decidual NK cells, revealing abnormal miRNA expressions associated with recurrent pregnancy loss, providing insights into immune dysregulation [13]. Liang et al emphasized the placenta's critical role in successful pregnancy and intrauterine development, investigating miRNAs as key regulators of trophoblast cell function and their association with common signalling pathways in pregnancy disorders [14].…”

“…This investigation sheds light on pregnancy-specific miRNAs that intricately target pathways essential to lipid metabolism, placenta development and embryo development [31]. Equally pivotal is the study by Liang et al, whose clarification forms a foundation for understanding the molecular intricacies of trophoblast function, offering potential insights into therapeutic interventions for complications associated with pregnancy [14].…”