miRNA changes in the mouse placenta due to bisphenol A exposure.

Aim: To determine small RNA expression changes in mouse placenta induced by bisphenol A (BPA) exposure.

Methods

Exposing female mice to BPA two weeks prior to conception through gestational day 12.5; whereupon fetal placentas were collected, frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80°C. Small RNAs were isolated and used for small RNA-sequencing.

Results

43 small RNAs were differentially expressed. Target mRNAs were closely aligned to those expressed by thymus and brain, and pathway enrichment analyses indicated that such target mRNAs regulate neurogenesis and associated neurodevelopment processes.

Conclusions

BPA induces several small RNAs in mouse placenta that might provide biomarkers for BPA exposure. Further, the placenta might affect fetal brain development through the secretion of miRNAs.