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Published on: October 24, 2025
[Molecular characterization of corona radiata cells from patients with diminished ovarian reserve]
P May-Panloup1, V Ferré-L'Hôtellier, C Morinière
1Laboratoire de biologie de la reproduction, centre hospitalier universitaire, 49933 Angers, France. PaMayPanloup@chu-angers.fr
Objectives:
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is one of the causes of infertility. In this prospective study, gene expression profiling (GEP) of corona radiata cells (CRC) was performed to identify genes deregulated in DOR patients.
Patients And Methods:
Microarray-based GEP of CRC isolated from eight women undergoing IVF was performed to identify genes differentially expressed between patients with normal ovarian reserve and DOR patients. Microfluidic-based quantitative RT-PCR assay were used to validate selected transcripts on 40 independent patients.
Results:
Forty-eight transcripts were differentially expressed, including CXXC5 and FOXC1 down regulated in DOR, as well as CTGF, FSTL3, PTGS2 and SOCS2 up regulated in DOR. According to these transcripts, two DOR patients'subgroups (DOR Gr1 and Gr2) were identified. In DOR Gr2 patients, CITED2, CTGF, GAS-1, IRS2, PTGS2, SOCS2, VCAN were expressed at significantly higher levels, and CXXC5, FOXC1, GBP2 and ZMIZ1 at significantly lower level. Eleven of those genes are transcriptional targets of Estrogens and higher baseline oestradiol levels were observed in DOR Gr2 patients (P<0.006).
Discussion And Conclusion:
Twelve genes deregulated in CRC of DOR patients were identified, which could be involved in DOR pathogenesis. The distinction of a particular subgroup of DOR patients suggests the possibility of deregulation of estrogen response genes.
Insights
Gene expression profiling of corona radiata cells identified twelve deregulated genes in diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), a cause of infertility. A subgroup of DOR patients showed altered estrogen response genes, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Genomics
- Infertility research
Background:
- Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a significant cause of female infertility.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying DOR is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes deregulated in corona radiata cells (CRC) of patients with DOR using gene expression profiling (GEP).
- To investigate potential molecular subgroups within DOR patients based on gene expression patterns.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving microarray-based GEP of CRC from women undergoing IVF.
- Validation of selected gene transcripts using microfluidic-based quantitative RT-PCR in an independent cohort.
Main Results:
- Forty-eight transcripts were differentially expressed between normal ovarian reserve and DOR groups.
- Identified downregulated genes (e.g., CXXC5, FOXC1) and upregulated genes (e.g., CTGF, FSTL3, PTGS2, SOCS2) in DOR.
- Discovered two DOR subgroups (DOR Gr1 and Gr2) with distinct gene expression profiles, including genes related to estrogen response.
Conclusions:
- Identified twelve genes deregulated in CRC that may play a role in DOR pathogenesis.
- The identification of a DOR subgroup suggests potential deregulation of estrogen response pathways.
- These findings could lead to novel diagnostic or therapeutic strategies for DOR.
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