Gene expression profiling of mouse placenta following prenatal cannabis smoke exposure

Pathway enrichment analyses and gene set variation analyses were performed to identify biological and compartment-associated transcriptomic changes. Select genes were validated by quantitative PCR. Large-scale transcriptomic profiles showed no distinct clustering by exposure; however, 23 genes were significantly altered using a false discovery rate <0.05 and absolute log2 fold change >0.5 threshold.

Pathway analyses revealed overall suppression of oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid metabolism, and transmembrane transport, alongside enrichment of RNA processing and stress-response pathways. Gene set variation analysis demonstrated reduced labyrinth zone-associated signatures and increased junctional zone-associated signatures in exposed placentae. Quantitative PCR confirmed altered expression of multiple transport-related genes.

Together, these findings indicate that prenatal cannabis smoke exposure induces subtle yet coordinated placental transcriptomic reprogramming, characterized by impaired metabolic and transport pathways and altered compartment-specific activity. This dataset provides mechanistic insight into how inhaled cannabis exposure may compromise placental function and contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes.