Transcriptomic analysis of theca cells in a PCOS rat model: insights into follicular development.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze differentially expressed genes in theca cells of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rats using transcriptomic sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis and PCR validation were performed to identify genes involved in follicular development regulation in PCOS. METHODS: Twenty 6-week-old female SD rats with regular estrous cycles were divided into two groups (PCOS and control, n = 10 each). The PCOS model was induced with a 1.0 mg·kg⁻¹ Letrozole solution. Theca cells were collected for transcriptomic sequencing, and differentially expressed genes were analyzed. Functional annotations and pathway enrichment were determined using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Gene interaction network and hub gene analyses were conducted, followed by RT-qPCR validation. RESULTS: PCOS rats exhibited increased body weight and irregular estrous cycles. A total of 1,114 differentially expressed genes were identified, including 516 upregulated and 598 downregulated genes. Fifty hub genes were selected for further analysis. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed significant involvement of the MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. PCR validation confirmed that Cyp17a1, Cyp11a1, S6k1, mTOR, Akt, Kit, and Tek were significantly upregulated in the PCOS group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Transcriptomic analysis identified key genes and pathways involved in follicular development dysregulation in PCOS rats, providing potential targets for further research.