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Altered microRNA and gene expression in the follicular fluid of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

  • Gonadal Physiology and Disease
  • Published:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To determine if microRNAs are differentially expressed in the follicular fluid of women with PCOS compared to fertile oocyte donors and identify associated altered gene expression.

Methods

Women undergoing IVF who met Rotterdam criteria for PCOS or who were fertile oocyte donors were recruited from a private IVF center. Individual follicle fluid was collected at the time of oocyte retrieval. MicroRNA analysis was performed using microarray and validated using real-time PCR on additional samples. Potential gene targets were identified and their expression analyzed by real time PCR.

Results

Microarray profiling of human follicular fluid revealed expression of 235 miRNAs, 29 were differentially expressed between the groups. Using PCR validation, 5 miRNAs (32, 34c, 135a, 18b, and 9) showed significantly increased expression in the PCOS group. Pathway analysis revealed genes involved in insulin regulation and inflammation. Three potential target genes were found to have significantly decreased expression in the PCOS group (interleukin 8, synaptogamin 1, and insulin receptor substrate 2).

Conclusions

MicroRNAs are differentially expressed in the follicular fluid of women with PCOS when compared to fertile oocyte donors. There is also altered expression of potential target genes associated with the PCOS phenotype.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge Andrew P. Bradford for his assistance with manuscript editing.

Conflict of interest

LWR received Clinical Research Fellowship and Mentor Award Supported by Pfizer, Inc. for research presented at ENDO 2012 and an ASRM Corporate Member Council In-training Travel Award for the IFFS/ASRM 2013. BM, RA, WBS, DM, and MGKJ have nothing to disclose.

Funding

This study was self-funded by the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine and the National Foundation for Fertility Research.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Colorado, 3055 Roslyn Street, Ste 230, Denver, CO, 80238, USA

    Lauren W. Roth & Ruben Alvero

  2. National Foundation for Fertility Research, 10290 RidgeGate, Circle Lone Tree, CO, 80124, USA

    Blair McCallie & Mandy G. Katz-Jaffe

  3. Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, 10290 RidgeGate, Circle Lone Tree, CO, 80124, USA

    William B. Schoolcraft & Debra Minjarez

Authors
  1. Lauren W. Roth
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  2. Blair McCallie
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  3. Ruben Alvero
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  4. William B. Schoolcraft
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  5. Debra Minjarez
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  6. Mandy G. Katz-Jaffe
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lauren W. Roth.

Additional information

Capsule Follicular fluid from PCOS patients and oocyte donors was compared for microRNA and target gene expression. Five microRNAs were overexpressed and 3 target genes were decreased in the PCOS group.

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Roth, L.W., McCallie, B., Alvero, R. et al. Altered microRNA and gene expression in the follicular fluid of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Assist Reprod Genet 31, 355–362 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-0161-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-013-0161-4

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