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

Aim: We aimed to determine the role of granulosa cells (GCs) circular RNA (circRNA) in ovarian aging. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: The expression profiles of circRNAs exhibited obvious stage specificity with age which might contribute to ovarian aging progression.