Transcriptome Profiling Revealed the Relationship Between Immune-Related Genes and m6A Modifiers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common female endocrinal disease that may result in excessive androgen, but the mechanism of PCOS remains unclear. Most patients with PCOS suffer from low-grade inflammation, whereas the underlying connection between immune and PCOS is still uncertain. Objective This study aimed to determine the immune-related mechanisms behind PCOS pathogenesis and explore distinct immune-related genes and their functional signatures in PCOS. Methods The microarray dataset GSE155489 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The immune-related genes were downloaded from ImmPort. The immune-related differential expression genes (IRDEGs) in PCOS were screened, and functional and pathway enrichment analyses were applied. The protein-protein interactions (PPI), module analysis, and transcription factor enrichment analysis (TFEA) were used to identify hub genes. The immune profile analysis was depicted, and the expression correlation analysis between hub genes and m6A modifiers in PCOS was constructed. Results 125 IRDEGs were identified, and immune-related pathways included the cytokine-cytokine receptor pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. All genes were associated with four immune cells (monocyte cells, nTreg, iTreg, and Tcm). Moreover, Major Histocompatibility Complex, Class I, A (HLA-A), Major Histocompatibility Complex, Class I, B (HLA-B), Fos Proto-Oncogene (FOS), Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2), and C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 4 (CXCR4) were identified as hub genes. Furthermore, N6-Methyladenosine (m6A methylation) mediators could potentially play a pivotal role between the immune system and PCOS. Conclusion This study described the relevance between immune and PCOS. We identified five IRDEGs as hub genes for PCOS. The relationship between the m6A methylation and hub genes indicated that m6A methylation could play a potential role in regulating such hub genes in PCOS. These findings could provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms and diagnosis or treatment strategy for the disease.