Analysis of Gene Expression in the Human Chorion of Preterm Labor Using cDNA Microarray

Ko, Hyun Sun; Kim, Yeun Hee; Kil, Ki Cheol; Yang, Dong Eun; Park, In Yang; Kim, Sa Jin; Park, Tai Churl; Shin, Jong Chul

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
We used a genome-wide approach to identify differentially expressed genes in patients with preterm delivery caused by preterm labor to improve the understanding of underlying molecular mechanism.
METHODS
RNA was isolated from the chorions of patients with preterm delivery caused by preterm labor with intact membranes and term vaginal delivery. cDNA microarray experiments were used to identify differentially expressed genes, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used in follow-up experiment.
RESULTS
cDNA microarray experiments identified significantly increased expression of 104 genes and decreased expression of 102 genes in the preterm cases. 18 genes showed more than 1.5-fold increased expressions in the chorions of patients with preterm delivery by preterm labor than those with term vaginal delivery. In preterm delivery, up-regulated genes were associated with cell adhesion, cell cycle regulation, development, transport, morphogenesis, muscle contraction, signal transduction, and transcription. 15 genes showed more than 1.5-fold decreased expressions in chorions of patients delivered preterm by preterm labor than delivered term by labor. In preterm delivery, down-regulated genes were associated with cell differentiation, development, metabolism, morphogenesis, RNA processing, signal transduction, transcription, and transport.
CONCLUSION
This study suggests cDNA microarray technique might provide insights into the molecular basis of preterm delivery caused by preterm labor.