Evolutionary transcriptomics implicates HAND2

The study assembled a collection of gene expression data from the pregnant/gravid maternal-fetal interface of tetrapods and used evolutionary methods to reconstruct gene expression changes during the origins of mammalian pregnancy. And found genes were enriched for immune functions and diseases, as well as preterm birth. A subsequent analysis was on the HAND2 gene expression dynamics from re-analysis of existing data and focused on the HAND2 gene regulations in endometrial stromal fibroblasts, and the functional analysis of identified IL15 gene by trans-well migration assays. Collectively, these data connect HAND2 expression at the maternal-fetal interface with evolution of implantation and gestational regulation, and preterm birth.