Expression profile of trophoblast invasion-associated genes in the pre-eclamptic placenta

The primary pathology of pre-eclampsia is thought be a defect in placentation due to failure of trophoblast invasion. Here, we aim to identify the expression profile of invasion-associated genes in the pre-eclamptic placenta. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of extracellular matrix molecule-related genes in five pre-eclamptic placentas and, in five strictly matched normal placentas were assayed using complementary DNA (cDNA) microarrays representing over 220 human cytokine-associated or hormone-associated genes. Results demonstrated greater than two-fold higher expression of 18 extracellular matrix molecule genes, including cadherin, collagen, integrin and selectin, in the pre-eclamptic placenta. Extracellular matrix molecule degradation-related genes, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-10, MMP-13, MMP-15, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2, TIMP-3, plasminogen and plasminogen activator, were also highly expressed in the pre-eclamptic placenta, compared to the normal placenta. Results suggest that the abnormal expression profiles of extracellular matrix molecules and degrading proteinases might be associated with the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.