Identification of molecular markers for ectopic pregnancy

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K11283
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Obstetrics and gynecology
• Research Institution: Nagasaki University
• Principal Investigator: Masuzaki Hideaki 長崎大学, 医歯薬学総合研究科(医学系), 名誉教授 (00173740)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 三浦 清徳 長崎大学, 医歯薬学総合研究科(医学系), 教授 (00363490)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 異所性妊娠 / 分子マーカー / microRNA / C19MC / C14MC / 母体血

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this research project, we aimed to establish a molecular diagnostic method for ectopic pregnancy using fetal and placental microRNAs in maternal plasma. Specifically, we 1) comprehensively identified fetal and placental microRNAs detected in maternal plasma in early pregnancy, 2) examined their quantitative values in maternal plasma in relation to ectopic pregnancy, and 3) finally evaluated their usefulness as clinical tests for quantifying microRNAs associated with ectopic pregnancy. Finally, we evaluated the usefulness of microRNA quantification as a clinical test in relation to ectopic pregnancy. Placenta-specific C19MC microRNA and C14MC microRNA (miR-323-3p) from the fetus and placenta were expected to be new molecular markers to estimate the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy.

Free Research Field

産婦人科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究成果は、妊娠初期に異所性妊娠を非侵襲的かつ高精度に鑑別診断し、妊婦の健康向上に大いに貢献すると期待される。また、母体末梢血を用いた検査法は、異所性妊娠の分子病態メカニズムをリアルタイムに解明する手がかりになりうる。