MicroRNA-155 contributes to preeclampsia by down-regulating CYR61

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010 May;202(5):466.e1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.01.057.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the molecular mechanism of preeclampsia (PE) development through miR-155.

Study design: PE and normal placentas were used to measure miR-155 and cysteine-rich protein 61 (CYR61) expression. CYR61 3' untranslated region was validated as the target of miR-155 using in vitro transfections. miR-155 and CYR61 expression levels were assessed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or Western blot.

Results: An inverse correlation was found between miR-155 and CYR61 expression levels, with miR-155 up-regulated and CYR61 down-regulated in PE tissues. Luciferase assays and CYR61 transfection assays experimentally validated that miR-155 efficiently targets the 3' untranslated region of CYR61.

Conclusion: This study reported for the first time that overexpression of miR-155 contributes to PE development by targeting and down-regulating angiogenic regulating factor CYR61, leading to pathological alterations. This finding not only characterizes a new mechanism for the disease but also provides a potential therapeutic target.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Migration Assays
  • Cysteine-Rich Protein 61 / metabolism
  • Cysteine-Rich Protein 61 / physiology*
  • Down-Regulation / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Pre-Eclampsia / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Transfection
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / blood
  • Wound Healing / physiology

Substances

  • CCN1 protein, human
  • Cysteine-Rich Protein 61
  • MIRN155 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A