Sex-Specific Differences in MicroRNA Expression during Human Fetal Lung Development

Our study demonstrates differential expression of numerous autosomal miRNAs between the male and female developing human lung. Additionally, the expression of some miRNAs are modified by age across the pseudoglandular stage in a sex-specific way. Some of these differences in miRNA expression may impact susceptibility to pulmonary disease later in life. Our results suggest that sex-specific miRNA expression during human lung development may be a potential mechanism to explain sex-specific differences in lung development and may impact subsequent disease susceptibility Overall design: Identifing sex differences in miRNA expression profiles of human fetal lung tissue after controling for smoke exposure, age, and technicial effects.