Construction of a ceRNA network specific for cumulus cells in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a polygenic hormonal disorder, caused by the dysfunction of ovarian cumulus cells (CCs) that affects 8–13% of women of reproductive age. The aim of our study was to infer a cumulus-specific competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) network from primary patient-derived CCs transcriptome data, and study its role in the emergence and development of PCOS. Methods The study included 6 women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF), aged 26 to 34 years old: 3 women with PCOS, and 3 healthy women who comprised the control group. RNA was extracted from CC samples, then using short- and long-RNA sequencing, all microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and mRNAs expressed in CCs were identified. Differential gene expression analysis was performed using DESeq v.1.39.0. MicroRNAs-lncRNAs and microRNAs-mRNAs interactions were detected using RNAhybrid and miRWalk databases, respectively. Cytoscape 3.10.0 software was used to construct ceRNA network. Results Based on differential gene expression analysis performed with the DESeq package, we identified 3 microRNAs, 132 lncRNAs, and 564 mRNAs differentially expressed in PCOS. The final ceRNA network included 3 microRNAs, along with 105 lncRNAs and 252 mRNAs. Conclusion This work confirms the importance of ceRNA networks for discovering biomarkers and developing treatments tailored to the unique challenges faced by individuals with PCOS. Further research is needed to validate the identified interactions and explore their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.