Whole-genome microarray and targeted analysis of angiogenesis-regulating gene expression (ENG, FLT1, VEGF, PlGF) in placentas from pre-eclamptic and small-for-gestational-age pregnancies Article

Toft, JH, Lian, IA, Tarca, AL et al. (2008). Whole-genome microarray and targeted analysis of angiogenesis-regulating gene expression (ENG, FLT1, VEGF, PlGF) in placentas from pre-eclamptic and small-for-gestational-age pregnancies . Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, 21(4), 267-273. 10.1080/14767050801924118

cited authors

  • Toft, JH; Lian, IA; Tarca, AL; Erez, O; Espinoza, J; Eide, IP; Bjørge, L; Draghici, S; Romero, R; Austgulen, R

abstract

  • Objective. To compare the placental pathology associated with pre-eclampsia (PE) and/or fetal growth restriction, the transcriptomes of placental tissues from PE and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) pregnancies were explored. In addition, a targeted analysis of angiogenesis-regulating gene expression was performed. Methods. Whole-genome microarray analysis was performed on placental tissue from gestational age-matched PE (n = 10), SGA (n = 8) and PE + SGA (n = 10) pregnancies. The expression of genes regulating angiogenesis (endoglin (ENG), fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF)) was analyzed by quantitative real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results. Microarray analysis did not reveal any significant differences between groups. However, an increased expression of ENG and FLT1 was detected by qRT-PCR in the PE + SGA group. Conclusions. The placental transcriptome did not differ between groups, although an increased anti-angiogenic gene expression in PE + SGA was observed with qRT-PCR analysis. Based on this, we conclude that although microarray technology may represent a powerful tool in generating new hypothesis in complex fields, it may not be sensitive enough to detect subtle changes in gene expression. © 2008 Informa UK Ltd.

authors

publication date

  • March 17, 2008

published in

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 267

end page

  • 273

volume

  • 21

issue

  • 4