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Updated: Sep 8, 2025
12:25
Cell-Specific Paired Interrogation of the Mouse Ovarian Epigenome and Transcriptome
Published on: February 24, 2023
939
Transcriptomic analysis of theca cells in a PCOS rat model: insights into follicular development
Chen Yuanyuan1, Sun Ningyu1, Lu Lu1
1Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Journal of Ovarian Research
|June 21, 2025
Summary
This study identified key genes and signaling pathways, including MAPK and PI3K-Akt, involved in regulating follicular development in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rats, offering potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Genomics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder.
- Theca cells play a crucial role in follicular development and steroidogenesis.
- Dysregulation of gene expression in theca cells contributes to PCOS pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify differentially expressed genes in theca cells of PCOS rats.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying follicular development abnormalities in PCOS.
- To discover potential therapeutic targets for PCOS.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptomic sequencing of theca cells from PCOS and control rats.
- Bioinformatics analysis including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment.
- RT-qPCR validation of key identified genes.
Main Results:
- 1,114 differentially expressed genes were identified in PCOS rats.
- MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways were significantly enriched.
- Key genes such as Cyp17a1, Cyp11a1, S6k1, mTOR, Akt, Kit, and Tek were upregulated.
Conclusions:
- Transcriptomic analysis reveals critical genes and pathways implicated in PCOS-related follicular dysregulation.
- The identified genes and pathways represent potential targets for future PCOS research and therapeutic interventions.
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