DNA methylation analysis of oocytes in a PCOS mouse model

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), related to oligo- or amenorrhea, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries, is a complex disorder that causes infertility, obesity, and an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Several genomic and epigenomic studies have investigated blood, fat, liver, and ovaries, except oocytes of patients and animal models with PCOS. Previous studies have suggested that PCOS adversely affects oocyte maturation and quality. However, the mechanisms underlying PCOS-induced impaired oocyte maturation and quality and the genetic profiles of oocytes in PCOS have not been completely elucidated. In this study, we analyzed epigenetic changes in oocytes from a PCOS mouse model, and analyzed relations between the ribosome pathway and oocyte development.