SRC involves in lysosomal function and regulates ferroptosis in polycystic ovary syndrome
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Updated: May 24, 2025

Author Spotlight: Tracing the Ferroptotic Signatures and Cell Death Dynamics in Medulloblastoma for Advanced Therapeutics
Published on: March 15, 2024
Tianmei Wang1, Xin Chen2, Cong Li3
1Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China.
Background:
The pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is still unknown, so finding the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis is crucial in PCOS.
Methods:
The GSE34526 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to screen biomarkers in this study. KEGG enrichment analysis of GSE34526 was performed using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). The differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were screened and analyzed for lysosome-related genes. Subsequently, further KEGG and GO analyses were performed, and it was found that it was enriched in the ferroptosis pathway, and then the ferroptosis-related differential genes were obtained. The genes at the core position were obtained by the Protein-Protein Interaction(PPI) network. We then focused our attention on SRC and verified the differential expression of SRC in ovarian tissues of hyperandrogenemic, hyperlipemic and control groups, as well as the differences in conception rate and litter rate of each group by rat test.
Results:
GSEA analysis of the gene dataset GSE34526 revealed that LYSOSOME was significantly enriched in the PCOS group. There were 188 lysosome-related differentially expressed genes(LRDEGs) in granulosa cells from patients with PCOS, and 41 ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes(FRDEGs). It was found that six of these genes, SRC, NCF2, SLC2A8, FTL, SLC2A6, SLC3A2, were present in all three datasets. SRC was the top ranked gene in the PPI network of FRDEGs.As verified by the rat model, the expression of SRC in the ovarian tissues of the hyperandrogenemic group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P=0.004) and the hyperlipemic group (P=0.002).
Conclusion:
SRC, as an important gene involved in lysosomal function and regulating ferroptosis, is expected to be a potential target for PCOS.
Insights
The study identifies SRC as a key gene linked to lysosomal function and ferroptosis in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Elevated SRC expression in PCOS ovarian tissues suggests it
Area of Science:
- Genomics and Molecular Biology
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Cellular Metabolism
Background:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) pathogenesis remains unclear, necessitating research into its molecular mechanisms.
- Identifying key molecular pathways is crucial for understanding and potentially treating PCOS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel molecular mechanisms and potential biomarkers for PCOS.
- To investigate the role of lysosomal function and ferroptosis in PCOS pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the GSE34526 dataset for gene expression analysis.
- Performed Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), KEGG, and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses.
- Constructed a Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network to identify core genes.
- Validated SRC gene expression in a rat model of PCOS.
Main Results:
- Lysosomal pathways were significantly enriched in PCOS granulosa cells.
- Identified overlapping differentially expressed genes related to lysosomes and ferroptosis, including SRC.
- SRC was a central gene in the ferroptosis-related PPI network.
- SRC expression was significantly upregulated in hyperandrogenemic PCOS rat ovaries.
Conclusions:
- SRC plays a role in lysosomal function and ferroptosis regulation in PCOS.
- SRC is a potential therapeutic target for PCOS management.
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