DNA microarrays: A novel approach to investigate genomics in trophoblast invasion - A review

The events that regulate trophoblast invasion need to be characterized at t he transcriptional level. Several types of gene products may be involved in various stages of trophoblast infiltration, including integrins, matrix me talloproteases (MMPs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Autocrine or paracrine regulators of cytotrophoblast proliferation or differentiation i n vitro (e.g. growth factors and cytokines, as well as oxygen tension) coul d be characterized mechanistically at the transcriptional level. Large-scal e gene expression profiling of trophoblasts of distinct invasive stages cou ld be carried out on fixed tissue obtained by laser-directed microdissectio n. This information may shed light on physiological implantation and placen tation, as well as on the interpretation of pathological processes such as pre-eclampsia. The applications of DNA microarrays are ideal for studies of genomic structure (e.g. mutation and polymorphism analyses) and monitoring of gene expression. The ultimate goal is to understand the critical events underlying growth, development, homeostasis, behaviour and the onset of di sease at a genomic level. Microarrays detect gene expression levels in para llel by measuring the hybridization of labelled, single-stranded DNA to man y thousands of partial or whole gene sequences immobilized on a glass surfa ce (the 'chip'). Microarrays are available both commercially and can be man ufactured in house. (C) 2000 IFPA and Harcourt Publishers Ltd.