Circular RNA expression profiles of ovarian granulosa cells in advanced-age women explain new mechanisms of ovarian aging.

We aimed to determine the role of granulosa cells (GCs) circular RNA (circRNA) in ovarian aging. Nine women were recruited, including three diminished ovarian reserve young women, three advanced-aged women and three normal ovarian reserve young women. The circRNA expression profiles of GCs were characterized by CLEAR software. Key circRNA were validated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. GCs in advanced-age group females exhibited active MHC class II-related biological processes. A total of 3575 circRNAs were found in the advanced age group. Hsa-circ-0031584 appears to be one of the important molecules regulating the mitotic process of GCs. The expression profiles of circRNAs exhibited obvious stage specificity with age which might contribute to ovarian aging progression.