Dysregulation Of Alternative Splicing Patterns In The Ovaries Of Reproductively Aged Mice
As females age, their reproductive function naturally declines, but the precise molecular reasons for this have remained a mystery. New research sheds light on this process by investigating how genes are expressed in the ovaries of aging mice.
Our bodies use a complex process called “splicing” to create different versions of proteins from a single gene. Think of it like editing a movie: you can cut and combine scenes (exons) in various ways to create different narratives (protein isoforms). This study found that in older ovaries, this splicing process goes awry. There are widespread changes in how these genetic “scenes” are put together, leading to a greater variety of protein versions, some of which are incomplete or faulty.
Crucially, many of these altered protein versions were found in genes vital for mitochondria, the “powerhouses” of our cells. One specific example highlighted is a protein called Ndufs4, which is part of the cell’s energy production machinery. In aged ovaries, a shorter, less functional version of Ndufs4 was produced, potentially hindering energy generation and increasing harmful byproducts called reactive oxygen species.
These findings suggest a direct link between these changes in gene processing and the decline in mitochondrial function observed during reproductive aging. It proposes a new model where the way genes are spliced, cellular energy levels, and the aging process in the ovary are all interconnected. This understanding opens up new avenues for exploring how to maintain ovarian health and fertility as we age.
Source: link to paper