An Exploratory Study on Transcriptomic Profiling of Circulating miRNA Associated with Hub Genes in the Development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age, often associated with metabolic issues, causing infertility. Although it is common, the cause of PCOS remains unknown, and early diagnosis is challenging. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, play a significant role in PCOS development, and have emerged as biomarkers for reproductive and metabolic disorders. However, research on miRNA signatures in the Indian population is limited. This pilot exploratory study aims to compare the candidate differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs) in serum samples from individuals with and without PCOS using high-throughput miRNA sequencing. Methods: In the study, patients with PCOS and age-matched controls were included; small RNAs were isolated from their serum, libraries were prepared, and the libraries were analyzed by next-generation sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis, including miRBase annotation, differential expression analysis, target prediction, GO/KEGG enrichment, and hub gene network analysis, was performed. Results: A total of 967 miRNAs were identified, with seven showing differential expression (log2FC > 1, p < 0.05). Among these, six miRNAs of hsa-miR-219a-2-3p, hsa-mir-384, hsa-miR-149-5p, hsa-miR-3182, hsa-miR-3960, and hsa-miR-4508 were upregulated, whereas hsa-mir-139 was downregulated. Functional enrichment and hub gene analyses identified key targets, including TP53, FOXO1, HIF1A, and HDAC1, that are crucial to the cell cycle, insulin signaling, and hypoxia. Conclusions: These preliminary findings identify candidate serum miRNA signatures in Indian women that may be associated with PCOS’s reproductive and metabolic issues. These pilot study results suggest potential miRNAs and their target pathway links with PCOS that need validation in larger cohorts for diagnostic or therapeutic applications.