Biological Research (Sep 2021)

miR-146a-5p-mediated suppression on trophoblast cell progression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in preeclampsia

  • Pingping Peng,
  • Huamei Song,
  • Chenghong Xie,
  • Wenfei Zheng,
  • Huigai Ma,
  • Dandan Xin,
  • Jingqiong Zhan,
  • Xiaoqing Yuan,
  • Aihua Chen,
  • Jing Tao,
  • Jufang Qin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40659-021-00351-5
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 54, no. 1
pp. 1 – 12

Abstract

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Abstract Objective This study aims to identify the effect of miR-146a-5p on trophoblast cell invasion as well as the mechanism in preeclampsia (PE). Methods Expression levels of miR-146a-5p and Wnt2 in preeclamptic and normal placentae were quantified. Trophoblast cells (HTR-8) were separately transfected with miR-146a-5p mimic, miR-146a-5p inhibitor, pcDNA3.1-Wnt2 or sh-Wnt2, and then the expression levels of miR-146a-5p, Wnt2, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins (Vimentin, N-cadherin and E-cadherin) were measured. Moreover, the proliferative, migratory and invasive capacities of trophoblast cells were detected, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter assay determined the binding of miR-146a-5p and Wnt2. Results Compared with normal placental tissues, the placentae from PE patients showed higher miR-146a-5p expression and lower Wnt2 expression. Transfection of miR-146a-5p inhibitor or pcDNA3.1-Wnt2 exerted pro-migratory and pro-invasive effects on HTR-8 cells and encouraged EMT in HTR-8 cells; transfection with miR-146a-5p mimic or sh-Wnt2 weakened the proliferative, migratory and invasive capacities as well as reduced EMT process of HTR-8 cells. Moreover, Wnt2 overexpression could partially counteract the suppressive effects of miR-146a-5p overexpression on the progression and EMT of HTR-8 cells. Conclusion miR-146a-5p mediates trophoblast cell proliferation and invasion through regulating Wnt2 expression.

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