Characterization of the down-regulated genes identified in preeclampsia placenta

ABSTRACT

Objectives: We focus our attention on placental genes that are repressed in preeclampsia. Methods: A search was conducted through the online PubMed database. Results: A majority of the down-regulated genes appear to be evolved as the defense and protective mechanism for the mother, namely maternal fitness genes. A half of the down-regulated genes are also located within and in close proximity to known imprinted genes. Conclusion: Preeclampsia may be associated with either: (1) down-regulated expression of genes located in close proximity to known imprinted genes, (2) an imbalance in the maternal-fetal genetic response, or (3) an interaction of the two.

KEYWORDS:

• Genetic conflict
• imprinting
• maternal
• paternal
• preeclampsia

Declaration of interest

The author declares no conflict of interest. Grant support: Supported by Grant-in-aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture of Japan to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University (H. Kobayashi).