Oocytes outsmart toxic proteins to preserve long-term female fertility

The accumulation of misfolded or damaged proteins in long-lived, non-dividing cells like neurons are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. A study now finds that the build-up of these toxic proteins also influences oocyte quality and female fertility. The researchers discovered that mouse oocytes have specialized structures which roam the cytoplasm and act like a clean-up crew which capture and hold onto protein aggregates, rendering them harmless. Failure to degrade the toxic proteins led to the formation of defective eggs. 3 in 5 (60%) of mouse embryos that inherited the toxic proteins failed to complete the very earlies stages of development. The study presents a new frontier to explore the underlying mechanisms of poor oocyte quality, which is the leading cause of female infertility.

The accumulation of misfolded or damaged proteins in long-lived, non-dividing cells like neurons are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. A study now finds that the build-up of these toxic proteins also influences oocyte quality and female fertility. The researchers discovered that mouse oocytes have specialized structures which roam the cytoplasm and act like a clean-up crew which capture and hold onto protein aggregates, rendering them harmless. Failure to degrade the toxic proteins led to the formation of defective eggs. 3 in 5 (60%) of mouse embryos that inherited the toxic proteins failed to complete the very earlies stages of development. The study presents a new frontier to explore the underlying mechanisms of poor oocyte quality, which is the leading cause of female infertility.

Read more https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240220144358.htm