Role of Prenatal Environmental Stressors in Regulating Micro RNA

A recent study reveals with some elaborations the role played by prenatal environmental stressors in regulating micro RNA. Over 4800 different harmful chemicals are present in cigarettes besides nicotine, according to this study conducted by the Leipzig Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research. It was the first time in history of medical science that the harmful effects of tobacco smoke on immune system of embryo was demonstrated. Focus of the study was centered on microRNA, a short as well as single-stranded molecule that play vital role in regulating gene. It also threw lights on the recent craze of researchers; the impact of environmental stressor on pregnant women and child in the womb. As Dr Gunda Herbert, team leader of the study team says; “for the first time we were able to describe the effect of prenatal environmental stressors on the regulation of microRNA.” The focal point of the study was finding the adverse impacts of tobacco smoke on the immune system of the child in the womb.