Differential Gene Expression in Placenta of Term Pregnant Women with and without Labor using cDNA Microarray / 대한주산의학회잡지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:cDNA microarray technology was used to comprehensively analyze the gene expression in the placenta of term women with labor compared to without labor. METHODS:Placental tissue was obtained from patients in spontaneous labor (n=5) and those not in labor (n=5) during Cesarean section of full term pregnancy. mRNA levels were examined through cDNA microarray using Agilent GeneSpringGX 7.3 (Agilent technology, USA). SPSS 11.0 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS:Among total 38,467 genes, 2,374 genes were detected to be up-regulated in labor samples, while 12 genes were down-regulated. 40 genes of them were identified as significantly up-regulated in levels of expression (up-regulated > or =5.0 fold, p<0.05). According to gene ontology analysis, they are associated with variable cell biologic functions including apoptosis, signal transduction, metabolic process, immune response, and transcription, etc. CONCLUSION:This study suggests that our results could provide interesting clues to understanding the initiation and the process of normal labor and might lead to further studies in a more targeted fashion.