Identification of reference genes for normalizing the levels of circulating RNA transcripts in pregnant women based on whole-transcriptome data

For quantification of RNA transcript using RT-qPCR data, normalization of the data by the internal control reference genes is often required. However, it has been demonstrated that a proper choice of reference genes is highly dependent on the tissues or cells being investigated. It has also been known that reference genes are highly specific for a particular experimental model, and validation for each situation, on an individual basis, is essential. Currently, there is a lack of data on reference genes that are suitable for normalization of RT-qPCR data in the blood circulation of pregnant women. The objective of this study is to identify reference genes in maternal blood based on the whole-transcriptome data of 19 maternal whole blood samples, sequenced on the HiSeq-4000 platform in two libraries (technical replicates) per sample.