Amniotic fluid cell-free transcriptome: a glimpse into fetal development and placental cellular dynamics during normal pregnancy

Abstract

This represents the largest AF transcriptomics study in normal pregnancy, reporting for the first time that single-cell genomic signatures can be tracked in the AF and display complex patterns of expression during gestation.We also demonstrate a role for alternative splicing in tissue-identity acquisition,organ development,and immune processes. The results herein may have implications for the development of fetal testing to assess placental function and fetal organ maturity.

Keywords

• Cell-free RNA
• Differential splicing
• Differential expression
• Single-cell genomic signature
• Tissue-specific signature
• Gestational age
• Maternal obesity
• Fetal sex