Targeted gene analysis in preeclamptic placentas

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by new onset of hypertension and proteinuria in the second half of gestation. It is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Despite intensive research, however, the molecular mechanisms have not well defined. Microarray-based transcriptional profiling has been widely used for identifying placental genes responsible for PE. We have constructed gene arrays containing most important genes coding for molecules involved in critical signaling transduction pathways in PE and analyzed placental samples from preeclampsia patients and controls. The result…