Molecular pathways reflecting poor intrauterine growth are found in Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells

STUDY QUESTION Are molecular pathways reflecting the biology of small for gestational age (SGA) neonates preserved in umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER MSCs from SGA newborns were found to express an altered EGR-1-dependent gene network involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and oxidative stress. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Individuals with suboptimal intrauterine development are at greater risk of metabolic diseases such as type II diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Umbilical cords (n = 283) from the GUSTO (growing up in Singapore towards healthy outcomes) birth cohort study, and primary MSC isolates established from SGA and matched control cases (n = 6 per group), were subjected to gene expression analysis and candidate genes were studied for functional validation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Umbilical cord specimens were derived from babies born at the National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore. Local ethical approval was obtained. MSC isolates were established in Wharton's jelly and molecular analysis was conducted by gene expression microarrays and RT–PCR. Cells from SGA and control groups were compared in the presence and absence of insulin and candidate gene function was studied via siRNA-mediated gene knockdown and over-expression experiments in MSCs. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Using repeated measure ANOVAs, proliferation rates of MSCs isolated from SGA...
Source: Human Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Tags: Reproductive biology Source Type: research