Elevated microRNA-141-3p in placenta of non-diabetic macrosomia regulate trophoblast proliferation

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported microRNAs (miRNAs) could regulate the placental development, though the role and mechanism of miRNAs in the development of non-diabetic macrosomia (NDFMS) remains unclear. METHODS: To identify the aberrantly expressed key miRNAs in placenta of NDFMS, we employed a strategy consisting of initial screening with miRNA microarray and further validation with quantitative RT-PCR assay (qRT-PCR). In vitro cellular model and a mouse pregnancy model were used to delineate the functional effects of key miRNA on proliferation, invasion, and migration. FINDINGS: miR-141-3p was identified as the key miRNA with expression level significantly higher in placentas of NDFMS compared with those from normal controls. Overexpressed miR-141-3p in HTR-8/SVneo cells contributed to increased cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. miR-141-3p inhibition in HTR-8/SVneo cells resulted in decreased cell proliferation and invasion. Significantly increased infant birth weight was observed in late pregnancy of C57BL/6J mice treated with miR-141-3p agomir. However, no significant difference was found in early pregnancy of C57BL/6J mice treated with miR-141-3p agomir. INTERPRETATION: miR-141-3p could stimulate placental cell proliferation to participate in the occurrence and development of NDFMS.