Screening target genes for the treatment of PCOS via analysis of single-cell sequencing data.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition of the female reproductive system and it remains imperative to identify target genes responsible for its pathogenesis and develop therapeutic drugs capable of effectively treating it.

Methods: We performed primary screening, staging, functional analysis as well as screening of target genes and therapeutic drugs based on single cell sequencing data of 34 oocytes from the GEO database.

Results: Oxidative phosphorylation played a pivotal role in the development of oocytes, insulin resistance and ovulation disorders. At the cellular level, GV and MI phases were particularly critical for the biology of pregnancy. We screened , and as hub differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and found relevant drugs using the Drug-Gene Interaction Database. In clinical study, oral contraceptives and insulin sensitisers were found to be effective in the treatment of PCOS.

Conclusion: , and were found to be down-regulated in oocytes, ovulation and female pregnancy. These 3 genes are likely biomarkers important in the treatment of PCOS. Insulin sensitiser in combination with oral contraceptive administration were found to significantly improve PCOS.Key messagesOur study used a new bioinformatics approach to find target genes for the treatment of PCOS.Our study sought to identify target genes that affect human oocyte quality by analysing single-cell sequencing data from oocytes.We testified to our data by analysing a subset of clinical data.