Exceptional longevity of mammalian ovarian and oocyte macromolecules throughout the reproductive lifespan

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.93172
• Publication Date: 2024-01-25T10:25:10Z
• Authors: Ewa K Bomba-Warczak; Karen M Velez; Luhan T Zhou; Christelle Guille...; Seby Edassery; Matthew L Steinha...; Jeffrey N Savas; Francesca E Duncan
• Keywords: QH301-705.5; Macromolecular Substances; Science; Reproduction; Q; Ovary; Longevity; R; mass spectrometry imaging; Cell Biology; long-lived proteins; Mice; proteomics; reproductive aging; Oocytes; Medicine; Animals; Female; ovaries; Biology (General); oocyte

The mechanisms contributing to age-related deterioration of the female reproductive system are complex, however aberrant protein homeostasis is a major contributor. We elucidated exceptionally stable proteins, structures, and macromolecules that persist in mammalian ovaries and gametes across the reproductive lifespan. Ovaries exhibit localized structural and cell-type-specific enrichment of stable macromolecules in both the follicular and extrafollicular environments. Moreover, ovaries and oocytes both harbor a panel of exceptionally long-lived proteins, including cytoskeletal, mitochondrial, and oocyte-derived proteins. The exceptional persistence of these long-lived molecules suggest a critical role in lifelong maintenance and age-dependent deterioration of reproductive tissues.