Researchers at the Max Planck Institute in Göttingen have uncovered a pivotal role played by extremely long-lived proteins in maintaining the fertility of female mammals. These proteins, discovered in the ovaries of mice, are crucial for sustaining the health and viability of egg cells over extended periods.
Female mammals, including humans, are born with a finite number of egg cells, only a fraction of which mature during a woman’s reproductive years. The longevity of these egg cells is essential, as they must remain functional for decades. The research team, led by Melina Schuh of the Max Planck Institute, found that certain proteins in the ovaries exhibit remarkable stability compared to proteins in other tissues, such as the brain. These long-lived proteins are believed to play key roles in protecting egg cells from age-related damage and maintaining fertility.
Schuh explains, “Egg cells need to remain viable throughout a woman’s reproductive lifespan to ensure healthy embryo development.” Despite the short lifespan of most proteins in living cells, those in the ovaries persist significantly longer, thanks to mechanisms that regulate protein longevity.
The study, involving a multidisciplinary approach combining biochemical assays, molecular techniques, and mathematical modeling, focused on identifying and quantifying these long-lived proteins. According to Juliane Liepe, one of the group leaders involved in the study, their findings highlight the prevalence of these stable proteins in the ovaries, which are critical for DNA repair and cellular protection.
Henning Urlaub, another group leader on the team, notes the role of molecular chaperones in maintaining protein integrity within the ovary. These chaperones prevent the aggregation of misfolded proteins, a process that can compromise cellular function. The researchers observed that these protective mechanisms are more robust and enduring in the ovaries compared to other organs, ensuring sustained reproductive health.
However, the study also reveals a decline in the concentration of these protective proteins with age, coinciding with an increase in proteins associated with inflammation. This shift in the ovarian protein landscape may contribute to the decline in fertility observed in aging mammals.
The implications of this research extend beyond understanding reproductive biology in mice; they offer insights into potential strategies for preserving fertility in humans as well. By elucidating the mechanisms behind protein longevity in the ovaries, scientists may eventually develop interventions to support reproductive health throughout a woman’s lifespan.
The study, published in Nature Cell Biology, marks a significant step toward unlocking the secrets of female fertility and underscores the critical role of long-lived proteins in maintaining reproductive function over time.
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