CALB1 and RPL23 Are Essential for Maintaining Oocyte Quality and Function During Aging

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Aging Research

Background:

• Female reproductive system undergoes significant age-related changes.
• Oocyte quality decline is a primary factor affecting female fertility.
• Mechanisms of oocyte aging are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying oocyte aging in mice.
• To identify key genes and pathways involved in age-related oocyte dysfunction.
• To explore potential therapeutic targets for improving fertility in aging females.

Main Methods:

• Single-cell transcriptome sequencing of oocytes from aged and young female mice.
• Comparative analysis with existing proteomic data.
• Experimental validation including gene knockdown and overexpression studies.

Main Results:

• Aging oocytes exhibit disrupted calcium ion homeostasis.
• CALB1 and RPL23 identified as key genes in oocyte aging.
• CALB1 and RPL23 knockdown leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS accumulation, and meiotic defects.
• Overexpression of CALB1 and RPL23 partially rescues age-related oocyte defects.

Conclusions:

• Calcium ion homeostasis disruption is a hallmark of oocyte aging.
• CALB1 and RPL23 play critical roles in maintaining oocyte quality and function.
• This study provides insights into age-related reproductive decline and identifies potential targets for intervention.