Whole Genome Transcriptomic Analysis of Ovary Granulosa Cells Revealed an Anti-Apoptosis Regulatory Gene DLGAP5 in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

miR-34a-5p modulation of polycystic ovary syndrome via targeting the NOTCH signaling pathway

PURPOSE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is currently recognized as a condition that affects several systems in the body, including the reproductive, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems. Prevalent among teenagers and women of reproductive age. Prior research has demonstrated an elevation of miR-34a-5p within the follicular fluid (FF) of women of PCOS. Despite this, the precise mechanisms through which miR-34a-5p influences granulosa cells (GC) development and function remain poorly characterized.

METHODS

Therefore, this study investigates the involvement and pathogenic mechanisms of miR-34a-5p within GCs in the context of PCOS. The human granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN) got transfected at a control, as well as a miR-34a-5p mimic and inhibitor, respectively. Monitor cellular proliferation in each experimental group. The experimental methods included RT-qPCR, CCK8, flow cytometry and western blotting. Also, the interaction between miR-34a-5p and the particular sequence of JAG1 has been verified using the dual luciferase assay. Further investigation of the connection involving miR-34a-5p and the Notch signaling pathway was conducted using bioinformatics analysis and experimental methods.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that miR-34a-5p expression was significantly elevated in the serum(p<0. 0001)and FF (p = 0. 0402) of PCOS, whereas its expression in GCs (p = 0. 5522) showed no significant variation. Overexpressing miR-34a-5p caused a decrease in the rate at which KGN cells multiplied and an increase in programmed cell death. Conversely, inhibiting miR-34a-5p resulted in an increase in cell growth and a decrease in programmed cell death. Bioinformatics analysis and experimental results further demonstrated thatmiR-34a-5p interacts with the 3'UTR region of JAG1, leading to a negative regulation of the Jagged1-Notch signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the miR-34a-5p molecule inhibits the growth of GCs as well as triggers programmed cell death by regulating the Jagged1-Notch signaling pathway. Silencing miR-34a-5p prevents dysfunction in GCs. Our analysis implies that miR-34a-5p is a new molecular site to treat PCOS.

Whispers of the polycystic ovary syndrome theater: Directing role of long noncoding RNAs

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted endocrine disorder that implicates a spectrum of clinical manifestations, including hormonal imbalance, metabolic dysfunction, and even compromised ovarian granulosa cell (GC) activity. The underlying molecular mechanisms of PCOS remain elusive, presenting a significant barrier to effective diagnosis and treatment. This review delves into the emerging role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathophysiology of PCOS, articulating their intricate interactions with mRNAs, microRNAs, and other epigenetic regulators that collectively influence the hormonal and metabolic milieu of PCOS. We examine the dynamic regulatory networks orchestrated by lncRNAs that impact GC function, steroidogenesis, insulin resistance, and inflammatory pathways. By integrating findings from recent studies, we illuminate the potential of lncRNAs as biomarkers for PCOS and highlight their contribution to the disorder, offering a detailed perspective on the lncRNA-mediated modulation of gene expression and pathogenic pathways. Understanding targeted lncRNA interactions with PCOS proposes novel avenues for therapeutic intervention to ameliorate the reproductive and metabolic disturbances characteristic of the syndrome.

Dihydrotestosterone induces reactive oxygen species accumulation and mitochondrial fission leading to apoptosis of granulosa cells

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which has significant androgenic activity，is a major player in follicle development and ovary function in females. However, an excess of androgens may result in increased follicular apoptosis with adverse effects on female fertility. This study aimed to explore the mechanism by which DHT induces apoptosis in human ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). The association between DHT and GC apoptosis was explored by the construction of rat models of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It was found that serum DHT levels were negatively correlated with thickness of the GC layer in PCOS model rats (R2=0.8342, p＜0.0001), compared with control rats, together with significant increases in cofactors (Fis1: p=0.008; MFF: p=0.044). The GC SVOG cell line was used to clarify the mechanism by which DHT influenced GC apoptosis in in vitro experiments. The results confirmed that apoptosis in SVOG cells was positively associated with the DHT dose. The expression of the autophagy-related proteins LC3A/B (p=0.027) and the proapoptotic protein Bax (p=0.0095) were increased, while that of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 (p=0.0005) was decreased in the high-dose DHT group. ROS levels were significantly increased (p=0.0237) and the mitochondrial membrane potential ΔΨm was decreased (p=0.0194). Moreover, ultrastructural analysis of the mitochondria indicated significant damage. The results of RT-qPCR and western blotting showed that two fission cofactor-Fis1（p=0.034） and MFF (p=0.039) were significantly increased after treatment with high doses of DHT. Even though the overall expression of Drp1 did not change significantly (p=0.5961), that of activated Phosphor-Drp1(Ser616) was significantly increased (p=0.046), while the expression of Phosphor-Drp1 (Ser637) was markedly reduced (p=0.007) following exposure to high concentrations of DHT. All these effects could be reversed by the Drp1 inhibitor Mdivi-1. These findings indicated the impact of DHT on ROS aggregation and mitochondrial fission, resulting in GC apoptosis. An imbalance in Drp1 phosphorylation may be the key link in DHT-induced excessive mitochondrial fission.

Granulosa cell insight: unraveling the potential of menstrual blood-derived stem cells and their exosomes on mitochondrial mechanisms in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) presents a significant challenge in women's reproductive health, characterized by disrupted folliculogenesis and ovulatory dysfunction. Central to PCOS pathogenesis are granulosa cells, whose dysfunction contributes to aberrant steroid hormone production and oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction emerges as a key player, influencing cellular energetics, oxidative stress, and steroidogenesis. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) and their exosomes in mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in PCOS granulosa cells.

METHODS

Using a rat model of PCOS induced by letrozole, granulosa cells were harvested and cultured. MenSCs and their exosomes were employed to assess their effects on mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative stress, and estrogen production in PCOS granulosa cells.

RESULTS

Results showed diminished mitochondrial biogenesis and increased oxidative stress in PCOS granulosa cells, alongside reduced estrogen production. Treatment with MenSCs and their exosomes demonstrated significant improvements in mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative stress levels, and estrogen production in PCOS granulosa cells. Further analysis showed MenSCs' superior efficacy over exosomes, attributed to their sustained secretion of bioactive factors. Mechanistically, MenSCs and exosomes activated pathways related to mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidative defense, highlighting their therapeutic potential for PCOS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers insights into granulosa cells mitochondria's role in PCOS pathogenesis and proposes MenSCs and exosomes as a potential strategy for mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in PCOS. Further research is needed to understand underlying mechanisms and validate clinical efficacy, presenting promising avenues for addressing PCOS complexity.

SOX4 regulates proliferation and apoptosis of human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cell line KGN through the Hippo pathway

The proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells are important for folliculogenesis. As a transcription factor, SRY-box transcription factor 4 (SOX4) has important roles in regulating cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Nonetheless, the regulatory mechanisms of SOX4 on proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells remain elusive. Therefore, a stably overexpressed SOX4 ovarian granulosa cell line KGN was generated by lentivirus encapsulation. We observed that overexpression of SOX4 inhibits apoptosis, promotes proliferation and migration of KGN cells. Comparative analysis of the transcriptome revealed 868 upregulated and 696 downregulated DEGs in LV-SOX4 in comparison with LV-CON KGN cell lines. Afterward, further assessments were performed to explore the possible functions about these DEGs. The data showed their involvement in many biological processes, particularly the Hippo signaling pathway. Moreover, the expression levels of YAP1, WWTR1, WTIP, DLG3, CCN2, and AMOT, which were associated with the Hippo signaling pathway, were further validated by qRT-PCR. In addition, the protein expression levels of YAP1 were markedly elevated, while p-YAP1 were notably reduced after overexpression of SOX4 in KGN cells. Thus, these results suggested that SOX4 regulates apoptosis, proliferation and migration of KGN cells, at least partly, through activation of the Hippo signaling pathway, which might be implicated in mammalian follicle development.

New insights into the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: HKDC1 promotes the growth of ovarian granulocyte cells by regulating mitochondrial function and glycolysis

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disease, and its pathogenesis and treatment are still unclear. Hexokinase domain component 1 (HKDC1) participates in regulating mitochondrial function and glycolysis. However, its role in PCOS development remains unrevealed. Here, female C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; 60 mg/kg body weight) to establish an in vivo model of PCOS. In vitro, KGN cells, a human ovarian granular cell line, were used to explore the potential mechanisms. DHEA-treated mice exhibited a disrupted estrus cycle, abnormal hormone levels, and insulin resistance. Dysfunction in mitochondria and glycolysis is the main reason for PCOS-related growth inhibition of ovarian granular cells. Here, we found that the structure of mitochondria was impaired, less ATP was generated and more mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species were produced in HKDC1-silenced KGN cells. Moreover, HKDC1 knockdown inhibited glucose consumption and decreased the production of glucose-6-phosphate and lactic acid. Conclusively, HKDC1 protects ovarian granulocyte cells from DHEA-related damage at least partly by preserving mitochondrial function and maintaining glycolysis.

Transcriptomic profile of GLCs of PCOS women highlights metabolic dysregulation as a plausible contributor to PCOS pathophysiology

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex heterogeneous disorder with reproductive and metabolic consequences whose aetiology is still elusive. To understand the cellular mechanisms that potentially govern follicular defect in women with PCOS, we performed transcriptomic profiles of granulosa-lutein cells (GLCs) by RNA-Seq analysis. We found differential expression of 876 genes in GLCs between PCOS and controls that belonged to various processes such as cell cycle, extracellular matrix organization, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, metabolism, etc. that support folliculogenesis, oocyte development, and maturation. The cross-talk between oocyte and GLCs is a fundamental cornerstone in determining oocyte quality and highly interlinked pathways of metabolism and redox homeostasis may influence this. We found several genes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, nucleotides, cholesterol, and lipids were dysregulated, which may impair the supply of metabolites to the growing oocyte, affecting oocyte development and competence. Additionally, high metabolic activity during folliculogenesis may augment oxidative damage to cells and macromolecules if not counter-balanced. We observed dysregulation of redox homeostasis and AGE-RAGE signalling in the follicular environment. Among the validated genes, prokineticin-1 and growth differentiation factor-15 were found to be negatively regulated, while, S100, calcium-binding protein A9 and angiomotin-like-2 were positively regulated in GLCs of women with PCOS. Comparing our data with previously published relevant transcriptomic studies showed metabolic, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, IL-17, and chemokine signalling pathways were most commonly affected in PCOS. Overall, this data can provide insights into mechanisms contributing to PCOS pathophysiology and can be explored as potential indicators for oocyte/embryo quality in IVF settings.

LncRNA NEAT1 and MALAT1 are involved in polycystic ovary syndrome pathogenesis by functioning as competing endogenous RNAs to control the expression of PCOS-related target genes

Accumulating evidence has shown an abnormal expression of several non-coding RNAs in ovarian tissues which might be closely linked with the pathogenesis of PCOS. The aim of this study was to identify competing endogenous (ce) RNA network: long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and their target genes: androgen receptor (AR), follistatin (FST) and insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), which are relevant to PCOS, to underline the molecular pathogenesis of PCOS and assist in early diagnosis and treatment. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to retrieve a ceRNA network: [lncRNA (NEAT1 and MALAT1) - miRNA (miR-30a-5p and miR-30d-5p) - mRNA (AR, FST and IRS-2)] linked to PCOS. Expression of the selected RNAs was examined by qPCR in peripheral blood leukocytes obtained from 73 PCOS patients (41 obese and 32 non-obese) and 31 healthy controls. PCOS patients showed significantly higher expression levels of NEAT1, miR-30a-5p, AR, FST and IRS-2, with significantly lower expression levels of MALAT1 and miR-30d-5p relative to controls especially in obese versus non-obese patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that most of the selected RNAs could serve as potential early diagnostic markers for PCOS with the highest efficiency obtained upon combining NEAT1 and miR-30d-5p or MALAT1 and miR-30a-5p with either of PCOS target genes. Moreover, all addressed RNAs had been proved as potential predictors of PCOS. The obtained data of ceRNA network raised the possibility that NEAT1 overexpression may increase the expression levels of AR, FST and IRS-2 by sponging miR-30d-5p, while low expression of MALAT1 may allow higher expression of the above genes via increasing miR-30a-5p, suggesting their involvement in PCOS pathogenesis and promising role for future diagnosis and targeted therapy.