For validation of the RNA-seq data, two candidate genes were chosen representing two distinct groups of DEGs in the Venn diagram (Fig. 1D; red circles): LPAR1 (a DE-down-regulated gene in E2P4DHT vs. E2DHT that was common to both groups) and ALDH1A1 (a DE-down-regulated gene E2P4DHT vs. E2DHT that was unique to PCOS). Here, LPAR1 is linked to polycystic ovary syndrome.