Aurora kinase mRNA expression is reduced with increasing gestational age and in severe early onset fetal growth restriction. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beard, Sally; Pritchard, Natasha; Binder, Natalie; Schindler, Karen; De Alwis, Natasha; Kaitu'u-Lino, Tu'uhevaha J.; Tong, Stephen; Hannan, Natalie J.
• Is Part Of: Placenta. Volume 95(2020)
• Page Start: 53
• Page End: 61
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Preeclampsia -- FGR -- Aurora kinase -- Cellular senescence; Placenta -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Périodiques; Reproduction -- Périodiques; 612.63
• DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.04.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-4004

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Oxidative damage and biochemical ageing are implicated in placental dysfunction and potentially fetal death. Cellular senescence may play a role in the pathophysiology of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and preeclampsia (PE). Aurora kinases ( AURKA, B and C ) are important regulators of cellular division in mitosis and meiosis with implications in cellular senescence. We aimed to investigate whether aurora kinase expression is altered with placental dysfunction or placental ageing. Methods: Placenta and blood was obtained across gestation from pregnancies complicated by PE, FGR or both PE and FGR, as well as gestation-matched control samples. Expression of AURKA, B and C mRNA was examined using real time qPCR in both the placenta and maternal circulation. Results: Placental aurora kinase expression decreased as gestation progressed: AURKA and AURKB were significantly reduced at 37–40 weeks, whereas AURKC was significantly reduced at 34–37 weeks, when compared to <34 weeks. In the maternal circulation, the mRNA level of AURKB was significantly reduced at >40 weeks compared to <34 weeks gestation. A significant reduction in AURKC was seen in FGR pregnancies <34 weeks compared to gestation-matched controls. Conclusion: Placental AURK expression is reduced with increased gestation. Circulating AURKB mRNA reduces at >40 weeks gestation, when compared to <34 weeks. AURKC is significantly reduced in placentas from pregnancies complicated by severe early onset (<34 weeks) FGR compared with gestation-matched controls. The functional role of aurora kinase in the placenta and in gestational age warrants further investigation. Highlights: Oxidative damage and biochemical ageing are implicated in placental dysfunction. Aurora kinases regulate cellular division with implications in cellular senescence. Placental aurora kinase expression is decreased with gestation. AURKC expression is reduced in placentas with early onset fetal growth restriction.