Non-coding RNAs: the architects of placental development and pregnancy success

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute a significant portion of the transcriptome that lacks evident protein-coding functions; however, they have been confirmed to be crucial in various biological processes, including placental development. Notwithstanding the existence of various ncRNAs, research on their role in placental development and pregnancy has been constrained. The predominant category of identified ncRNAs specific to placental tissue is microRNAs (miRNAs). Given their prevalence, the significantly larger cohort of other non-coding RNAs, such as circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), is anticipated to exert a considerably greater influence than miRNAs. Syncytiotrophoblast, a fetal-derived cell, serves as a conduit between the fetus and mother by secreting extracellular vesicles that contain fetal proteins and RNA. Alterations in ncRNAs within placental tissue, especially in trophoblast cells and extracellular vesicles, may be linked to placental dysfunction that leads to pregnancy complications, serving either as a causative factor or a result. This review encapsulates the existing understanding of ncRNAs in placental development, pregnancy success, pregnancy-related complications, extracellular vesicle conveyance, and their capacity as innovative diagnostic instruments and therapeutic strategies.