PCOS is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, with granulosa cells playing a key role in its development. This study aims to identify shared differentially expressed genes (DEG) in granulosa cells and blood from PCOS patients, offering potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Transcriptomic data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database: GSE95728 (granulosa cells; 7 PCOS, 7 controls) and two blood-based datasets, GSE85932 and GSE54248 (12 PCOS, 12 controls). In silico tools were employed to identify DEG, hub genes, and protein-protein interactions and to explore predicted drug targets. DEG analysis revealed that Vanin-2 (VNN2) and Interleukin-1 receptor type 2 (IL1R2) were consistently dysregulated in PCOS patients. Dysferlin (DYSF), Carbonic Anhydrase 4 (CA4), and Solute Carrier Family 2 Member 14 (SLC2A14) were differentially expressed between the blood datasets, while Aquaporin 9 (AQP9), C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 1 (CXCR1), and Annexin A3 (ANXA3) were dysregulated in GSE95728 (granulosa cells) and GSE54248 (blood). Functional enrichment highlighted immune and metabolic pathways. Protein-protein interaction analysis identified AQP9 as a hub gene. Drug prediction analysis suggested that IL1R2 could be targeted by anakinra, while VNN2 was predicted to interact with pantothenic acid. The dysregulation of VNN2 and IL1R2 across tissue types suggests their involvement in immune-inflammatory processes in PCOS. The expression of AQP9 and other metabolism-related genes indicates possible immune-metabolic crosstalk, aligning with known PCOS pathophysiology. VNN2 and IL1R2 show potential as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in PCOS. Further validation is needed to confirm their clinical significance and roles.
Zahraa Alali (Thu,) studied this question.