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Impaired DNA Repair as a Mechanism for Oocyte Aging: Is It Epigenetically Determined?

Shiny Titus1, Robert Stobezki1, Kutluk Oktay1

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular Reproduction and Fertility Preservation, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York.

Seminars in Reproductive Medicine
|November 13, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Aging oocytes accumulate DNA damage, impairing reproductive outcomes. This decline is linked to reduced DNA repair and altered epigenetic modifications of repair genes with increasing age.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • DNA damage is a significant cellular insult, particularly affecting oocytes.
  • Increased DNA damage in aged oocytes negatively impacts reproductive success.
  • The precise molecular mechanisms underlying oocyte aging and DNA damage response are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular alterations and epigenetic modifications affecting DNA double-strand break repair gene expression in aging oocytes.
  • To elucidate the role of impaired DNA repair in oocyte aging.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on DNA damage, DNA repair mechanisms, and epigenetic modifications in aging oocytes.
  • Analysis of gene expression patterns related to DNA double-strand break repair in aged oocytes.

Main Results:

  • Aging oocytes exhibit increased DNA damage.
  • Impaired DNA repair pathways are a key feature of aging oocytes.
  • Epigenetic modifications in DNA double-strand break repair genes are associated with oocyte aging.

Conclusions:

  • Impaired DNA repair, driven by molecular alterations and epigenetic changes in relevant genes, is a primary mechanism contributing to oocyte aging.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for addressing age-related decline in female fertility.

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