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Updated: Jul 16, 2025
Cell-Specific Paired Interrogation of the Mouse Ovarian Epigenome and Transcriptome
Published on: February 24, 2023
Spatial Transcriptomics of Aging Rat Ovaries Reveals Unexplored Cell Subpopulations with Reduced Antioxidative
Jiayu Shen1, Yuanyuan Liu2, Xinyuan Teng2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China, 21718169@zju.edu.cn.
Introduction:
Ovarian aging is characterized by a gradual decline in quantity and quality of oocytes and lower chance of fertility. Better understanding the genetic modulation during ovarian aging can further address available treatment options for aging-related ovarian diseases and fertility preservation.
Methods:
A novel technique spatial transcriptomics (ST) was used to investigate the spatial transcriptome features of rat ovaries. Transcriptomes from ST spots in the young and aged ovaries were clustered using differentially expressed genes. These data were analyzed to determine the spatial organization of age-induced heterogeneity and potential mechanisms underlying ovarian aging.
Results:
In this study, ST technology was applied to profile the comprehensive spatial imaging in young and aged rat ovary. Fifteen ovarian cell clusters with distinct gene-expression signatures were identified. The gene expression dynamics of granulosa cell clusters revealed three sub-types with sequential developmental stages. Aged ovary showed a significant decrease in the number of granulosa cells from the antral follicle. Besides, a remarkable rearrangement of interstitial gland cells was detected in aging ovary. Further analysis of aging-associated transcriptional changes revealed that the disturbance of oxidative pathway was a crucial factor in ovarian aging.
Conclusions:
This study firstly described an aging-related spatial transcriptome changes in ovary and identified the potential targets for prevention of ovarian aging. These data may provide the basis for further investigations of the diagnosis and treatment of aging-related ovarian disorders.
Insights
Spatial transcriptomics reveals key changes in aging rat ovaries, identifying oxidative pathway disturbance as a crucial factor. This research offers potential targets for preventing ovarian aging and preserving fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Genomics
- Aging Research
Background:
- Ovarian aging leads to decreased oocyte quality and fertility.
- Understanding genetic factors in ovarian aging is crucial for fertility preservation and treating age-related ovarian diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate spatial transcriptome changes in young and aged rat ovaries using spatial transcriptomics (ST).
- To identify potential targets for preventing ovarian aging and related disorders.
Main Methods:
- Spatial transcriptomics (ST) was employed to analyze gene expression patterns in rat ovaries.
- Transcriptomes from young and aged ovaries were clustered to identify age-induced heterogeneity and underlying mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Fifteen distinct ovarian cell clusters were identified, with granulosa cell dynamics revealing three subtypes.
- Aged ovaries showed reduced granulosa cells and rearranged interstitial gland cells.
- Disturbance of the oxidative pathway was identified as a critical factor in ovarian aging.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first description of aging-related spatial transcriptome changes in the ovary.
- Identified potential targets for ovarian aging prevention.
- Data may inform future diagnosis and treatment of aging-related ovarian disorders.
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