SLC41A1 is the only magnesium responsive gene significantly overexpressed in placentas of preeclamptic women

Hypertens Pregnancy. 2013 Nov;32(4):378-89. doi: 10.3109/10641955.2013.810237. Epub 2013 Jul 11.

Abstract

Objective: To examine expression profile of magnesium responsive genes (MRGs) in placentas of normoevolutive and preeclamptic women.

Methods: The expression profiles of MRGs were determined in placentas of normoevolutive (N=26) and preeclamptic (N=25) women by RT-qPCR.

Results: Among all tested MRGs (9) only SLC41A1 (encoding for Na(+)/Mg(2+) exchanger) was significantly overexpressed in ~54.2% of preeclamptic (n=24) and in ~9.5% of normoevolutive (n=21) specimens. On average, SLC41A1 was overexpressed sixfold in the preeclamptic group. Presence of SLC41A1 in placentas was confirmed by Western blot analysis. CONCLUSION. SLC41A1 is significantly overexpressed in nearly 55% of preeclamptic placentas. This may indicate a direct contribution of changed Mg homeostasis in the development of preeclampsia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cation Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Magnesium / metabolism*
  • Placenta / metabolism*
  • Pre-Eclampsia / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Cation Transport Proteins
  • SLC41A1 protein, human
  • Magnesium