Global transcriptome dysregulation in second trimester fetuses with FMR1 expansions

Objective We tested the hypothesis that FMR1 expansions would result in global gene dysregulation as early as the second trimester of human fetal development. Method Using cell-free fetal RNA obtained from amniotic fluid supernatant and expression microarrays, we compared RNA levels in samples from fetuses with premutation or full mutation allele expansions with control samples. Results We found clear signals of differential gene expression relating to a variety of cellular functions, including ubiquitination, mitochondrial function, and neuronal/synaptic architecture. Additionally, among the genes showing differential gene expression, we saw links to related diseases of intellectual disability and motor function. Finally, within the unique molecular phenotypes established for each mutation set, we saw clear signatures of mitochondrial dysfunction and disrupted neurological function. Patterns of differential gene expression were very different in male and female fetuses with premutation alleles. Conclusion These results support a model for which genetic misregulation during fetal development may set the stage for late clinical manifestations of FMR1-related disorders. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.