Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Medical Biochemistry

The human placenta is a rapidly evolving organ that harbors a rich and diverse transcriptome. It is estimated that 66% of all human proteins are expressed in the placenta (Uhlen et al., 2016). Not surprisingly, the human placenta also expresses numerous types of miRNA species, with a fraction of these species being specific to trophoblasts (Luo et al., 2009).MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that act at a posttranscriptional level to degrade target genes recognized by complementary base pairing in the 3{u2019}untranslated region of the mRNA.Through inhibition of protein translation or promotion of mRNA degradation, miRNAs have roles in physiological and pathological processes such as cell differentiation, proliferation/growth, apoptosis, angiogenesis, inflammation, redox signaling and other endothelial cell functions (Zhang 2008). Since these processes are disrupted in preeclampsia,miRNAs can potentially play significant roles in preeclampsia pathogenesis. miRNAs may provide a novel strategy for better understanding of preeclampsia and its diagnosis

Issued also as CD