Gene discovery may unlock infertility, early menopause clues
Researchers at Monash University have identified that the loss of the Nfkb1 gene leads to chronic inflammation and accelerated ovarian aging in preclinical models. This discovery provides new insights into the genetic factors behind premature menopause and diminished ovarian reserve.
Why it matters
Understanding the genetic drivers of ovarian aging could lead to new treatments for infertility and help address the health impacts of premature menopause.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Add as preferred source Credit: Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels Most women are aware that fertility declines dramatically with age. This is mainly due to the gradual loss of eggs and follicles from the ovaries, leading to infertility, irregular cycles and ultimately menopause.
Despite its significance, the factors that underlie the natural process of age-related egg and follicle loss, as well as those that promote premature ovarian aging, remain poorly understood.
Now, researchers at Monash University have conducted preclinical studies that identified a gene that may play a role in protecting female reproductive lifespan by reducing the low levels of chronic inflammation in the ovary that are a hallmark of aging.
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