Possible Gene Link To Miscarriages Is Found
Women who suffer multiple and different types of miscarriages may lack a specific gene in their eggs, scientists here have found.
This is because the gene makes sure different crucial parts of the fertilised eggs or embryos develop properly, the scientists said.
Their discovery could lead to better infertility treatment and increased understanding about human developmental problems.
The international team, led by scientists from the Institute of Medical Biology at the Agency of Science, Technology and Research published its findings in March in leading journal Science.
The gene, called Trim28, was discovered about 20 years ago in a United States cancer study, where it was found to help shut down several cancer-causing genes.
Later, scientists in France researching its function found that all mouse embryos without it died in the first trimester of pregnancy.
The international team built on this and other fertilisation studies, breaking new ground by showing more precisely the role of the gene during early pregnancy.
Previous studies have shown that two important processes take place immediately after an egg is fertilised with sperm.
Most of the genes from the parents are reset.
The reset genes make up cells which can develop into any cell type to create blood, bone, skin and more for the embryo.
But a small set of known inherited genes are usually protected from this reset.
If not, the embryo develops severe and multiple defects.
The team showed that Trim28 plays a major role in protecting them.
This explains how a lack of the gene could result in different types of miscarriages.
Without its control, any of the inherited genes, which have different functions, could be reprogrammed and lead to abnormal embryos.
thestar.com.my
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