Grant: Operating Grant

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication associated with 10% of perinatal and neonatal mortality worldwide. It is also a leading cause of maternal and fetal death, and a significant burden to the health care system as preeclamptic pregnancies result in the preterm delivery of babies. Currently, there are no early diagnostic markers available to predict preeclampsia and the only effective intervention is delivery. MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that play important roles in gene regulation. We have recently identified a group of microRNAs that have abnormal levels in placentae otained from patients with preeclampsia, when compared to placentae from women with healthy pregnancies. This suggests that abnormal expression of microRNAs may be linked to preeclampsia. The objectives of this study are to investigate the function of these microRNAs during normal placental development and to determine how their abnormal expression may contribute to the development of preeclampsia. We will use cell culture and organ culture with placentas from normal and preeclamptic pregnancies to study the function of these microRNAs and their target genes. The proposed project will provide novel information on the role of microRNAs in the development of preeclampsia. It may ultimately result in the development of novel strategies for diagnostic, prevention and treatment of preeclampsia, and consequently improve the health and quality of life in pregnant women and infants.