A recent study from the University of Missouri reveals that stimulating autophagy in female eggs can significantly improve egg quality by reducing DNA damage and the likelihood of aneuploidy. This finding holds potential for improving reproductive health in both humans and animals.
Our cells constantly face DNA damage from various sources like ultraviolet rays, radiation, toxins, and chemicals. This damage can significantly impact women's reproductive health , leading to poor egg quality , which in turn can result in infertility, miscarriages, birth defects, or genetic disorders. Researchers at the University of Missouri are diligently investigating a process known as autophagy that plays a crucial role in repairing this DNA damage.
Autophagy, often referred to as the unsung hero of cellular biology, acts as the body's natural defense mechanism, maintaining cellular health by recycling cellular components. This recycling process ensures the body's systems remain balanced and functional. In a recent study led by Ahmed Balboula, an assistant professor in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) and a researcher at the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building, the research team discovered a concerning trend in female eggs. They found that autophagy efficiency significantly declines when there is moderate or severe DNA damage, a condition more prevalent in older women.When autophagy activity decreases in eggs with DNA damage or in maternally aged eggs, which typically contain moderate DNA damage, the risk of aneuploidy increases drastically. Aneuploidy, characterized by an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell, is the leading genetic cause of miscarriages and congenital birth defects, including Down syndrome. However, Balboula and his team also identified a promising solution. Their study revealed that by boosting or stimulating the autophagy process in female eggs, they could effectively improve egg quality. This stimulation led to a reduction in DNA damage and the likelihood of abnormal chromosome numbers.This groundbreaking discovery demonstrates that stimulating autophagy can significantly reduce DNA damage levels in female eggs. This finding opens up exciting new avenues for enhancing female egg quality, ultimately leading to improved reproductive health for both humans and animals. Balboula acknowledges that the deactivation of autophagy observed in their study is likely just one piece of the larger puzzle contributing to aneuploidy. He plans to continue exploring other underlying mechanisms responsible for poor egg quality, hoping to further contribute to efforts aimed at improving the quality of female eggs.Balboula joined Mizzou from the University of Cambridge in 2019, drawn by the institution's renowned reputation as a leader in reproductive biology research. He believes Mizzou provides the ideal environment to advance his career. The collaborative research environment, abundant resources, and state-of-the-art research infrastructure, particularly within CAFNR, the Division of Animal Sciences, and the NextGen Precision Health building, empower his team to push the boundaries of their research. He emphasizes that they are just getting started and eagerly anticipate making significant contributions to this field
Autophagy DNA Damage Egg Quality Aneuploidy Reproductive Health
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
DNA From Illegal Capsule Packaging Could Crack Drug TradeResearchers at Flinders University have discovered that DNA from individuals involved in making, packing, and transporting illegal capsules can be found on both the capsules themselves and the ziplock bags they are stored in. This finding could revolutionize forensic investigations, allowing authorities to identify those involved in the drug trade through DNA profiling. Experiments revealed that capsule makers leave behind more DNA than packers, and that the DNA yield on the ziplock bags increases with the number of people who handle them.
Read more »
Regulators to Suggest Ideas for Cutting Red Tape and Boosting GrowthRachel Reeves, the UK's Shadow Chancellor, has called upon regulators to propose innovative solutions for streamlining regulations and fostering economic growth. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is exploring ways to expedite the application process for using drones in deliveries, potentially paving the way for companies like Amazon to utilize unmanned aerial vehicles for last-mile delivery. Reeves emphasized the role of every regulator in removing regulatory hurdles that impede growth, highlighting other proposed reforms such as energy tariff revisions, mortgage lending rule adjustments, and the potential scrapping of the £100 contactless payment limit.
Read more »
Trentbarton Bus Route to Nottingham Improves ServiceThe Trentbarton bus route between Nottingham and Keyworth is undergoing service improvements, including earlier arrivals, better city stops, and five new buses. Starting February 2nd, the service will operate every 15 minutes, reducing wait times for travelers and serving Mount Street in Nottingham. The timetable is also being adjusted for earlier arrivals throughout the week.
Read more »
Elon Musk Admits to Using Account Boosting Services in Path of Exile 2Billionaire Elon Musk has admitted to using account boosting services in Path of Exile 2, confirming suspicions raised by viewers who noticed his in-game progress while he was at Donald Trump's inauguration. Musk confirmed his use of boosters in private messages with content creator Nikowrex, stating that it's 'impossible to beat the players in Asia' without them.
Read more »
Elon Musk Admits to Using Account Boosting in Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has admitted to using account boosting services in Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4, following internet scrutiny of his in-game progress. Musk confirmed the use of boosting services in private messages with YouTuber Nikowrex, stating it was necessary to compete with high-level Asian players. This admission comes after Musk streamed himself playing high-level PoE2 and Diablo 4 characters, leading to accusations of account boosting.
Read more »
Trump's Executive Orders: Boosting Tech, Curbing AI Regulations and Free Speech ConcernsPresident Trump's first executive orders focus on stimulating the US tech sector and rolling back certain regulations implemented by the previous administration. These actions include easing restrictions on artificial intelligence (AI) development and promoting free speech, while also providing a temporary reprieve for TikTok from a potential ban.
Read more »