Expression and methylated regulation of HERVWE1 in placenta of monozygotic discordant twins

• Published in: Zhong hua yi xue za zhi Vol. 92; no. 37; p. 2619
• Main Authors: Gao, Yu, He, Zhi-ming, Li, Jin-ping, Luo, Yan-min, Sun, Hong-yu, Zhou, Yi, Huang, Lin-huan, Huang, Xuan, Li, Man-chao, Jiang, Shi-wen, Fang, Qun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese
• Published: China 09.10.2012
• Subjects: DNA Methylation; Endogenous Retroviruses - genetics; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation - genetics; Gene Expression; Gene Products, env - genetics; Gene Products, env - metabolism; Genes, Viral - genetics; Humans; Placenta - metabolism; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Proteins - genetics; Pregnancy Proteins - metabolism; Twins, Monozygotic - genetics
• ISSN: 0376-2491
• DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0376-2491.2012.37.008

To explore the HERVWE1 gene expression in the placentas of discordant monozygotic twins and identify its regulation by methylation. Fetuses from 21 pairs of monozygotic discordant twins were marked as "smaller" or "larger" according to birth weight. Placental HERVWE1 mRNA and protein expression profiles were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) stain. Methylation profiles of the HERVWE1 promoter region were analyzed by COBRA, MSP-PCR and pyrosequencing assay. In discordant twins group, the mean methylation level of the HERVWE1 promoter region decreased in smaller fetuses (P < 0.05). And there were increased mRNA and protein levels of HERVWE1 in smaller fetuses versus larger counterparts (P < 0.05). In discordant monozygotic twins, the HERVWE1 expression is higher in smaller fetuses and lower in larger counterparts. Methylation of HERVWE1 gene promoter region may participate in the regulation of HERVWE1 gene expression in twins.