microRNAs and gene-environment interactions in autism: effects of prenatal maternal stress and the SERT gene on maternal microRNA expression

In the study presented here, microRNA expression was profiled in blood samples from mothers of children with autism, with known stress exposure during pregnancy. 2500 mature microRNAs were examined. Thirty-four maternal blood samples were examined in this study. Samples were divided into five groups based on maternal SERT genotypes (LL/LS/SS) and prenatal stress level (High/Low). The five comparison groups were: G1a (SS & High), G1b (LS & High), G2a (LL & High), G2b (SS & Low), and G3 (LL & Low).