Overexpressed microRNA-141-3p enhance proliferation via targeting PLAG1 in non-diabetic macrosomia

Several studies have shown microRNAs (miRNAs) could regulate the placental development, yet the role and mechanism of miRNAs in the development of non-diabetic macrosomia (NDFMS) remains unclear. The key miRNA that abnormal expressed in NDFMS placentas was screened out by miRNA microarray and verified using qRT-PCR in 91 subjects. The effects of the key miRNA were verified by proliferation assay and invasion assay in HTR-8/SVneo cell, and also in pregnant C57BL/6J mice. miR-141-3p was determined as the key miRNA with the most significant difference, which could promote the proliferation and invasion by regulating the expression of target gene PLAG1. Overexpression of PLAG1 could reverse the effect of cell proliferation and invasion ability caused by miR-141-3p overexpression. Significant difference in fetal birth weight was observed between the control group and treated group with miR-141-3p agomir in late pregnancy, but not in early pregnancy. This study revealed miR-141-3p could increase the proliferation of placenta to participate in the occurrence and development of NDFMS through regulating PLAG1 expression.