![[UCSD Winning Article] MicroRNAs: A New Hope For PCOS Patients](https://morningsignout.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-19-112609.jpg)
Writer: Anika Akkinepally
Editor: Sandhya Sundar
Graphic Editor: Yerin Lee
While polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects a wide range of women, questions regarding its manifestation remain unanswered. PCOS is an endocrine condition where small fluid-filled sacs with immature eggs, called follicles, develop around the ovaries. Follicles are unable to release eggs in a timely manner, causing irregular periods and the plethora of effects associated with it.
Fortunately, a study by Bhingardeve et. al unravels a potential for therapeutic agents for the condition, focusing on epigenetic changes. Thus far, it has been widely known that genetics and an individual’s genetic history plays a significant role in the inheritance of PCOS. Building on that, recent studies are highlighting discoveries on varying gene expression, or lack thereof, in patients with PCOS. Specifically, the upregulation or down-regulation of microRNAs has been linked to the observable signs and symptoms of PCOS patients.
But what exactly are microRNAs? They are very short RNA fragments that play key roles in silencing genes. The study shows that they come into play during PCOS when the disease creates cell environments that impact the amounts of specific microRNAs produced. The result of this? PCOS symptoms that we witness physiologically– insulin resistance, oily skin, weight gain, etc.
For instance, insulin resistant PCOS patients showed increased miR-612, a microRNA that suppresses a gene that ultimately leads to the body not responding effectively to the insulin it has. Or, for example, miR-24a is decreased in women with PCOS, overactivating certain genes linked to high BMI, insulin resistance, and higher than average testosterone levels.
While this may seem like bad news, this discovery actually opens up discussion for microRNAs being potential targets for PCOS treatments. Taking this a step further, knowing that microRNAs can be manipulated could influence the onset and progression of PCOS.
