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Pretto L, Nabinger E, Filippi-Chiela EC, Fraga LR. Cellular senescence in reproduction: a two-edged sword†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:660-671. [PMID: 38480995 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence (CS) is the state when cells are no longer capable to divide even after stimulation with grown factors. Cells that begin to undergo CS stop in the cell cycle and enter a suspended state without committing to programmed cell death. These cells assume a specific phenotype and influence their microenvironment by secreting molecules and extracellular vesicles that are part of the so-called senescent cell-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Cellular senescence is intertwined with physiological and pathological conditions in the human organism. In terms of reproduction, senescent cells are present from reproductive tissues and germ cells to gestational tissues, and participate from fertilization to delivery, going through adverse reproductive outcomes such as pregnancy losses. Furthermore, various SASP molecules are enriched in gestational tissues throughout pregnancy. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide a basis about the features and potential roles played by CS throughout the reproductive process, encompassing its implication in each step of it and proposing a way to manage it in adverse reproductive contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Pretto
- Post-Graduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Eduarda Nabinger
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Cremonesi Filippi-Chiela
- Department of Morphological Science, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Physiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lucas Rosa Fraga
- Post-Graduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Morphological Science, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Teratology Information System (SIAT), Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Lesnik C, Kaletsky R, Ashraf JM, Sohrabi S, Cota V, Sengupta T, Keyes W, Luo S, Murphy CT. Enhanced branched-chain amino acid metabolism improves age-related reproduction in C. elegans. Nat Metab 2024; 6:724-740. [PMID: 38418585 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-024-00996-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Reproductive ageing is one of the earliest human ageing phenotypes, and mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to oocyte quality decline; however, it is not known which mitochondrial metabolic processes are critical for oocyte quality maintenance with age. To understand how mitochondrial processes contribute to Caenorhabditis elegans oocyte quality, we characterized the mitochondrial proteomes of young and aged wild-type and long-reproductive daf-2 mutants. Here we show that the mitochondrial proteomic profiles of young wild-type and daf-2 worms are similar and share upregulation of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism pathway enzymes. Reduction of the BCAA catabolism enzyme BCAT-1 shortens reproduction, elevates mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels, and shifts mitochondrial localization. Moreover, bcat-1 knockdown decreases oocyte quality in daf-2 worms and reduces reproductive capability, indicating the role of this pathway in the maintenance of oocyte quality with age. Notably, oocyte quality deterioration can be delayed, and reproduction can be extended in wild-type animals both by bcat-1 overexpression and by supplementing with vitamin B1, a cofactor needed for BCAA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lesnik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Human Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rachel Kaletsky
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Jasmine M Ashraf
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Salman Sohrabi
- LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Vanessa Cota
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Department of Biology, Tacoma Community College, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Titas Sengupta
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - William Keyes
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Shijing Luo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Coleen T Murphy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
- LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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Osei B, May BH, Stiefel CM, West KL, Zafar MK, Thompson MD, Bergstrom E, Leung JW, Enemark EJ, Byrd AK. Rare SNP in the HELB gene interferes with RPA interaction and cellular function of HELB. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.27.582415. [PMID: 38464108 PMCID: PMC10925333 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.27.582415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
HELB is a human helicase involved in initiation of DNA replication, the replication stress response, and regulation of double-strand DNA break repair. rs75770066 is a rare SNP in the HELB gene that affects age at natural menopause. rs75770066 results in a D506G substitution in an acidic patch within the 1A domain of the helicase that is known to interact with RPA. We found that this amino acid change dramatically impairs the cellular function of HELB. D506G-HELB exhibits impaired interaction with RPA, which likely results in the effects of rs75770066 as this reduces recruitment of HELB to sites of DNA damage. Reduced recruitment of D506G-HELB to double-strand DNA breaks and the concomitant increase in homologous recombination likely alters the levels of meiotic recombination, which affects the viability of gametes. Because menopause occurs when oocyte levels drop below a minimum threshold, altered repair of meiotic double-stranded DNA breaks has the potential to directly affect the age at natural menopause.
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Luo Y, An C, Zhong K, Zhou P, Li D, Liu H, Guo Q, Wei W, Pan H, Min Z, Li R, Yu Y, Fan Y. Exploring the impacts of senescence on implantation and early embryonic development using totipotent cell-derived blastoids. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00073-0. [PMID: 38402947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advanced maternal age is associated with reduced implantation and pregnancy rates, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, and research models are limited. OBJECTIVES Here, we aim to elucidate the impacts of senescence on implantation ability by employing blastoids to construct a novel research model. METHODS We used a novel three-dimensional system with totipotent blastomere-like cells (TBLCs) to construct TBL-blastoids and established senescence-related embryo models derived from oxidative stress-induced TBLCs. RESULTS Morphological and transcriptomic analyses revealed that TBL-blastoids exhibited characteristic blastocyst morphology, cell lineages, and a higher consistency in developmental rate. TBL-blastoids demonstrated the ability to develop into postimplantation structures in vitro and successfully implanted into mouse uteri, inducing decidualization and forming embryonic tissues. Importantly, senescence impaired the implantation potential of TBL-blastoids, effectively mimicking the impaired implantation ability and reduced pregnancy rates associated with advanced age. Furthermore, analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in human homologous deciduae revealed enrichment in multiple fertility-related diseases and other complications of pregnancy. The genes implicated in these diseases and the common DEGs identified in the lineage-like cells of the two types of TBL-blastoids and deciduae may represent potential targets for addressing impaired implantation potential. CONCLUSION These results unveiled that TBL blastoids are an improved model for investigating implantation and early postimplantation, offering valuable insights into pregnancy-related disorders in women with advanced age and potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chenrui An
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Ke Zhong
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dan Li
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qing Guo
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hen Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zheying Min
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.
| | - Rong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Yang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Yong Fan
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.
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Lesnik C, Kaletsky R, Ashraf JM, Sohrabi S, Cota V, Sengupta T, Keyes W, Luo S, Murphy CT. Enhanced Branched-Chain Amino Acid Metabolism Improves Age-Related Reproduction in C. elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.02.09.527915. [PMID: 38370685 PMCID: PMC10871302 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.09.527915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Reproductive aging is one of the earliest human aging phenotypes, and mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to oocyte quality decline. However, it is not known which mitochondrial metabolic processes are critical for oocyte quality maintenance with age. To understand how mitochondrial processes contribute to C. elegans oocyte quality, we characterized the mitochondrial proteomes of young and aged wild-type and long-reproductive daf-2 mutants. Here we show that the mitochondrial proteomic profiles of young wild-type and daf-2 worms are similar and share upregulation of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism pathway enzymes. Reduction of the BCAA catabolism enzyme BCAT-1 shortens reproduction, elevates mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels, and shifts mitochondrial localization. Moreover, bcat-1 knockdown decreases oocyte quality in daf-2 worms and reduces reproductive capability, indicating the role of this pathway in the maintenance of oocyte quality with age. Importantly, oocyte quality deterioration can be delayed, and reproduction can be extended in wild-type animals both by bcat-1 overexpression and by supplementing with Vitamin B1, a cofactor needed for BCAA metabolism.
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6
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Winkler I, Goncalves A. Do mammals have menopause? Cell 2023; 186:4729-4733. [PMID: 37890455 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Semantics and lack of data have clouded our understanding about menopause in non-human mammals. The traditional definition of menopause based on the last menstrual bleed is limited and hinders cross-species comparison. Here, we redefine it as the permanent cessation of ovulation and show menopause to be widespread across mammalian orders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Winkler
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Somatic Evolution and Early Detection, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angela Goncalves
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Somatic Evolution and Early Detection, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Trimmer KA, Zhao P, Seemann J, Chen SY, Mondal S, Ben-Yakar A, Arur S. Spatial single-cell sequencing of meiosis I arrested oocytes indicates acquisition of maternal transcripts from the soma. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112544. [PMID: 37227820 PMCID: PMC10592488 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal RNAs are stored from minutes to decades in oocytes throughout meiosis I arrest in a transcriptionally quiescent state. Recent reports, however, propose a role for nascent transcription in arrested oocytes. Whether arrested oocytes launch nascent transcription in response to environmental or hormonal signals while maintaining the meiosis I arrest remains undetermined. We test this by integrating single-cell RNA sequencing, RNA velocity, and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization on C. elegans meiosis I arrested oocytes. We identify transcripts that increase as the arrested meiosis I oocyte ages, but rule out extracellular signaling through ERK MAPK and nascent transcription as a mechanism for this increase. We report transcript acquisition from neighboring somatic cells as a mechanism of transcript increase during meiosis I arrest. These analyses provide a deeper view at single-cell resolution of the RNA landscape of a meiosis I arrested oocyte and as it prepares for oocyte maturation and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A Trimmer
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peisen Zhao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jacob Seemann
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shin-Yu Chen
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sudip Mondal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Adela Ben-Yakar
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Swathi Arur
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Baran V, Mayer A. Checkpoint Kinase 1 Is a Key Signal Transducer of DNA Damage in the Early Mammalian Cleavage Embryo. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076778. [PMID: 37047751 PMCID: PMC10095474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
After fertilization, remodeling of the oocyte and sperm genome is essential for the successful initiation of mitotic activity in the fertilized oocyte and subsequent proliferative activity of the early embryo. Despite the fact that the molecular mechanisms of cell cycle control in early mammalian embryos are in principle comparable to those in somatic cells, there are differences resulting from the specific nature of the gene totipotency of the blastomeres of early cleavage embryos. In this review, we focus on the Chk1 kinase as a key transduction factor in monitoring the integrity of DNA molecules during early embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimír Baran
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4, 040 00 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Mayer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic
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Zhu Z, Xu W, Liu L. Ovarian aging: mechanisms and intervention strategies. MEDICAL REVIEW (BERLIN, GERMANY) 2022; 2:590-610. [PMID: 37724254 PMCID: PMC10471094 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2022-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian reserve is essential for fertility and influences healthy aging in women. Advanced maternal age correlates with the progressive loss of both the quantity and quality of oocytes. The molecular mechanisms and various contributing factors underlying ovarian aging have been uncovered. In this review, we highlight some of critical factors that impact oocyte quantity and quality during aging. Germ cell and follicle reserve at birth determines reproductive lifespan and timing the menopause in female mammals. Accelerated diminishing ovarian reserve leads to premature ovarian aging or insufficiency. Poor oocyte quality with increasing age could result from chromosomal cohesion deterioration and misaligned chromosomes, telomere shortening, DNA damage and associated genetic mutations, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic alteration. We also discuss the intervention strategies to delay ovarian aging. Both the efficacy of senotherapies by antioxidants against reproductive aging and mitochondrial therapy are discussed. Functional oocytes and ovarioids could be rejuvenated from pluripotent stem cells or somatic cells. We propose directions for future interventions. As couples increasingly begin delaying parenthood in life worldwide, understanding the molecular mechanisms during female reproductive aging and potential intervention strategies could benefit women in making earlier choices about their reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengmao Zhu
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wanxue Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Musson R, Gąsior Ł, Bisogno S, Ptak GE. DNA damage in preimplantation embryos and gametes: specification, clinical relevance and repair strategies. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:376-399. [PMID: 35021196 PMCID: PMC9071077 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA damage is a hazard that affects all cells of the body. DNA-damage repair (DDR) mechanisms are in place to repair damage and restore cellular function, as are other damage-induced processes such as apoptosis, autophagy and senescence. The resilience of germ cells and embryos in response to DNA damage is less well studied compared with other cell types. Given that recent studies have described links between embryonic handling techniques and an increased likelihood of disease in post-natal life, an update is needed to summarize the sources of DNA damage in embryos and their capacity to repair it. In addition, numerous recent publications have detailed novel techniques for detecting and repairing DNA damage in embryos. This information is of interest to medical or scientific personnel who wish to obtain undamaged embryos for use in offspring generation by ART. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to thoroughly discuss sources of DNA damage in male and female gametes and preimplantation embryos. Special consideration is given to current knowledge and limits in DNA damage detection and screening strategies. Finally, obstacles and future perspectives in clinical diagnosis and treatment (repair) of DNA damaged embryos are discussed. SEARCH METHODS Using PubMed and Google Scholar until May 2021, a comprehensive search for peer-reviewed original English-language articles was carried out using keywords relevant to the topic with no limits placed on time. Keywords included ‘DNA damage repair’, ‘gametes’, ‘sperm’, ‘oocyte’, ‘zygote’, ‘blastocyst’ and ‘embryo’. References from retrieved articles were also used to obtain additional articles. Literature on the sources and consequences of DNA damage on germ cells and embryos was also searched. Additional papers cited by primary references were included. Results from our own studies were included where relevant. OUTCOMES DNA damage in gametes and embryos can differ greatly based on the source and severity. This damage affects the development of the embryo and can lead to long-term health effects on offspring. DDR mechanisms can repair damage to a certain extent, but the factors that play a role in this process are numerous and altogether not well characterized. In this review, we describe the multifactorial origin of DNA damage in male and female gametes and in the embryo, and suggest screening strategies for the selection of healthy gametes and embryos. Furthermore, possible therapeutic solutions to decrease the frequency of DNA damaged gametes and embryos and eventually to repair DNA and increase mitochondrial quality in embryos before their implantation is discussed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Understanding DNA damage in gametes and embryos is essential for the improvement of techniques that could enhance embryo implantation and pregnancy success. While our knowledge about DNA damage factors and regulatory mechanisms in cells has advanced greatly, the number of feasible practical techniques to avoid or repair damaged embryos remains scarce. Our intention is therefore to focus on strategies to obtain embryos with as little DNA damage as possible, which will impact reproductive biology research with particular significance for reproductive clinicians and embryologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Musson
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Łukasz Gąsior
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Simona Bisogno
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Grażyna Ewa Ptak
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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11
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Secomandi L, Borghesan M, Velarde M, Demaria M. The role of cellular senescence in female reproductive aging and the potential for senotherapeutic interventions. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:172-189. [PMID: 34918084 PMCID: PMC8888999 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced maternal age is associated with decreased oocyte quantity and quality as well as uterine and placental dysfunctions. These changes lead to infertility, pregnancy complications and birth defects in the offspring. As the mean age of giving birth is increasing worldwide, prevention of age-associated infertility and pregnancy complications, along with the more frequent use of ART, become extremely important. Currently, significant research is being conducted to unravel the mechanisms underlying female reproductive aging. Among the potential mechanisms involved, recent evidence has suggested a contributing role for cellular senescence, a cellular state of irreversible growth arrest characterized by a hypersecretory and pro-inflammatory phenotype. Elucidating the role of senescence in female reproductive aging holds the potential for developing novel and less invasive therapeutic measures to prevent or even reverse female reproductive aging and increase offspring wellbeing. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The review will summarize the positive and negative implications of cellular senescence in the pathophysiology of the female reproductive organs during aging and critically explore the use of novel senotherapeutics aiming to reverse and/or eliminate their detrimental effects. The focus will be on major senescence mechanisms of the ovaries, the uterus, and the placenta, as well as the potential and risks of using senotherapies that have been discovered in recent years. SEARCH METHODS Data for this review were identified by searches of MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Scholar. References from relevant articles using the search terms ‘Cellular Senescence’, ‘Aging’, ‘Gestational age’, ‘Maternal Age’, ‘Anti-aging’, ‘Uterus’, ‘Pregnancy’, ‘Fertility’, ‘Infertility’, ‘Reproduction’, ‘Implant’, ‘Senolytic’, ‘Senostatic’, ‘Senotherapy’ and ‘Senotherapeutic’ where selected. A total of 182 articles published in English between 2005 and 2020 were included, 27 of which focus on potential senotherapies for reproductive aging. Exclusion criteria were inclusion of the terms ‘male’ and ‘plants’. OUTCOMES Aging is a major determinant of reproductive wellbeing. Cellular senescence is a basic aging mechanism, which can be exploited for therapeutic interventions. Within the last decade, several new strategies for the development and repurposing of drugs targeting senescent cells have emerged, such as modulators of the anti-inflammatory response, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and mitochondria and protein dysfunctions. Several studies of female reproductive aging and senotherapies have been discussed that show promising results for future interventions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS In most countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the average age at which women give birth is above 30 years. Currently, in countries such as the Netherlands, Australia, Spain, Finland, Germany and the UK, birth rates among 30- to 34-year-olds are now higher than in any other age groups. This review will provide new knowledge and scientific advancement on the senescence mechanisms during female reproductive aging, and benefit fundamental and clinical scientists and professionals in the areas of reproduction, cancer, immunobiology and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Secomandi
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michela Borghesan
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Velarde
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, PH 1101, Philippines
| | - Marco Demaria
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
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12
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Watkins A. Reevaluating the grandmother hypothesis. HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 43:103. [PMID: 34427800 DOI: 10.1007/s40656-021-00455-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Menopause is an evolutionary mystery: how could living longer with no capacity to reproduce possibly be advantageous? Several explanations have been offered for why female humans, unlike our closest primate relatives, have such an extensive post-reproductive lifespan. Proponents of the so-called "grandmother hypothesis" suggest that older women are able to increase their fitness by helping to care for their grandchildren as allomothers. This paper first distinguishes the grandmother hypothesis from several other hypotheses that attempt to explain menopause, and then develops a formal model by which these hypotheses can be compared and tested by empirical researchers. The model is then modified and used to respond to a common objection to the grandmother hypothesis: that human fathers, rather than grandmothers, are better suited to be allomothers due to their physical strength and a high incentive to invest in their own children. However, fathers-unlike maternal grandmothers-can never be sure that the children they are caring for are their own. Incorporating paternity uncertainty into the model demonstrates the conditions under which the grandmother hypothesis is more plausible than a hypothesis that focuses on the contributions of men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aja Watkins
- Philosophy Department, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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13
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Searching for female reproductive aging and longevity biomarkers. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:16873-16894. [PMID: 34156973 PMCID: PMC8266318 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Female reproductive aging is, in a way, a biological phenomenon that develops along canonical molecular pathways; however, it has particular features. Recent studies revealed complexity of the interconnections between reproductive aging and aging of other systems, and even suggested a cause-effect uncertainty between them. It was also shown that reproductive aging can impact aging processes in an organism at the level of cells, tissues, organs, and systems. Women at the end of their reproductive lives are characterized by the accelerated incidence of age-related diseases. Timing of the onset of menarche and menopause and variability in the duration of reproductive life carry a latent social risk: not having enough information about the reproductive potential, women keep on postponing childbirth. Identification and use of the most accurate and sensitive aging biomarkers enable the prediction of menopause timing and quantification of the true biological and reproductive ages of an organism. We discuss current views on reproductive aging and peculiarities of using available biomarkers of aging. We also consider latest advances in the search for potential genetic markers of reproductive aging. Finally, we posit the importance of determining the female biological age and highlight potential research directions in this area.
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14
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Lagunas-Rangel FA. Deciphering the whale's secrets to have a long life. Exp Gerontol 2021; 151:111425. [PMID: 34051285 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Whales are marine creatures known for their enormous size and that live in all the oceans on earth. One of the oldest known organisms is bowhead whales, which can survive up to 200 years, and similarly, other species of whales have shown a remarkable long lifespan. In addition to this, whales are highly resistant to cancer, a disease that is strongly related to aging and the accumulation of damage over time. These two characteristics make whales an interesting model to study and that can provide us with a track both to delay aging and to avoid pathologies associated with it, such as cancer. In the present work, we try to analyze different aspects of whales such as metabolism, hematological and biochemical characteristics, and properties of their genome and transcriptome in order to elucidate possible molecular mechanisms that evolution has provided to these aquatic mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Alejandro Lagunas-Rangel
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico; Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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15
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Nichols HJ, Arbuckle K, Fullard K, Amos W. Why don’t long-finned pilot whales have a widespread postreproductive lifespan? Insights from genetic data. Behav Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arz211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
In a handful of mammals, females show an extended postreproductive lifespan (PRLS), leading to questions over why they spend a substantial portion of their lifespan nonreproductive. Theoretical and empirical studies suggest that PRLS may evolve when 1) demographic patterns lead to increasing local relatedness as females age, and 2) females come into reproductive competition with their daughters, as these conditions lead to high relative benefits of helping kin versus reproducing in later life. However, evolutionary pathways to PRLS are poorly understood and empirical studies are scarce. Here, we use a dataset of 1522 individuals comprising 22 pods to investigate patterns of reproduction and relatedness in long-finned pilot whales Globicephala melas; a toothed whale without species-wide PRLS. We find a similar relatedness structure to whales with PRLS: pods appear composed of related matrilines, and relatedness of females to their pod increases with age, suggesting that this species could benefit from late-life help. Furthermore, females with a large number of philopatric adult daughters are less likely to reproduce, implying intergenerational reproductive competition between females. This suggests that individuals may display a plastic cessation of reproduction, switching to investing in existing offspring when they come into competition with their daughters. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time such a relationship has been described in relation to PRLS, and it raises questions about whether this represents a step towards evolving PRLS or is a stable alternative strategy to widespread postreproductive periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel J Nichols
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Postfach, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Kevin Arbuckle
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Karen Fullard
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - William Amos
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Animal life history is shaped by the pace of life and the distribution of age-specific mortality and reproduction. Nat Ecol Evol 2019; 3:1217-1224. [PMID: 31285573 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-0938-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Animals exhibit an extraordinary diversity of life history strategies. These realized combinations of survival, development and reproduction are predicted to be constrained by physiological limitations and by trade-offs in resource allocation. However, our understanding of these patterns is restricted to a few taxonomic groups. Using demographic data from 121 species, ranging from humans to sponges, we test whether such trade-offs universally shape animal life history strategies. We show that, after accounting for body mass and phylogenetic relatedness, 71% of the variation in animal life history strategies can be explained by life history traits associated with the fast-slow continuum (pace of life) and with a second axis defined by the distribution of age-specific mortality hazards and the spread of reproduction. While we found that life history strategies are associated with metabolic rate and ecological modes of life, surprisingly similar life history strategies can be found across the phylogenetic and physiological diversity of animals.
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