Sex matters: XIST and DDX3Y gene expression as a tool to determine fetal sex in human first trimester placenta. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hoch, Denise; Novakovic, Boris; Cvitic, Silvija; Saffery, Richard; Desoye, Gernot; Majali-Martinez, Alejandro
• Is Part Of: Placenta. Volume 97(2020)
• Page Start: 68
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Fetal sex -- Placenta -- Trophoblasts -- Early pregnancy -- RT-qPCR; DDX3Y DEAD-Box helicase 3 Y-linked -- EVT extravillous cytotrophoblasts -- FTB first trimester trophoblasts -- vCTB villous cytotrophoblasts -- XIST X-inactive specific transcript; Placenta -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Périodiques; Reproduction -- Périodiques; 612.63
• DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.06.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-4004

Abstract

Abstract: Fetal sex influences placental function as well as maternal and fetal health, being an important factor to consider in pregnancy studies. However, fetal sex determination in the first trimester of pregnancy still faces some technical limitations. Here we describe an RT-qPCR technique to determine fetal sex based on X-inactive specific transcript ( XIST ) and DEAD-Box helicase 3 Y-linked ( DDX3Y ) gene expression. This method is straightforward, reliable, fast and applicable on both, placental tissue and primary cells. Highlights: Fetal sex affects placental function as well as maternal and fetal health. Technical limitations hinder fetal sex determination in the first trimester of pregnancy. Assessment of XIST and DDX3Y gene expression allows fast and reliable fetal sex determination.