VNN2 and IL1R2 Identified as Potential Molecular Signatures in Granulosa Cells and Blood of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

INTRODUCTION: PCOS is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, with granulosa cells playing a key role in its development. This study aims to identify shared differentially expressed genes (DEG) in granulosa cells and blood from PCOS patients, offering potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. METHODS: Transcriptomic data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database: GSE95728 (granulosa cells; 7 PCOS, 7 controls) and two blood-based datasets, GSE85932 and GSE54248 (12 PCOS, 12 controls). In silico tools were employed to identify DEG, hub genes, and protein-protein interactions and to explore predicted drug targets. RESULTS: were dysregulated in GSE95728 (granulosa cells) and GSE54248 (blood). Functional enrichment highlighted immune and metabolic pathways. Protein-protein interaction analysis identified AQP9 as a hub gene. Drug prediction analysis suggested that IL1R2 could be targeted by anakinra, while VNN2 was predicted to interact with pantothenic acid. DISCUSSION: The dysregulation of VNN2 and IL1R2 across tissue types suggests their involvement in immune-inflammatory processes in PCOS. The expression of AQP9 and other metabolism-related genes indicates possible immune-metabolic crosstalk, aligning with known PCOS pathophysiology. CONCLUSION: VNN2 and IL1R2 show potential as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in PCOS. Further validation is needed to confirm their clinical significance and roles.