Mitochondria in human eggs may somehow be protected from the accumulation of mutations in their DNA. (Image credit: Red_Hayabusa/Getty Images)
A new study suggests that human eggs may be protected from certain age-related changes seen in the body as a whole.
The paper, published Aug. 6 in Science Advances, did not look at the mechanism by which this protection was achieved, but it did identify a significant difference between the mitochondria — the powerhouses of cells — found in the blood and saliva of adult women and those found in their eggs. Mitochondria have their own unique DNA, and that DNA is susceptible to mutations as we age. But there appears to be an exception to this rule: the mitochondria in human eggs.
Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) do not always have adverse effects, but in some cases they can lead to diseases that affect the body’s ability to produce and use energy. These conditions can be life-threatening. There are no approved treatments, and treatment usually focuses on relieving symptoms rather than addressing the underlying problem. Therefore, it is important to find out whether mutations in egg mitochondria accumulate with age, as this may increase the risk of such diseases in children.
You may like
-
Sperm selection is 'entirely dependent on the egg' – so why does the 'sperm race' myth persist?
-
'Epigenetic memory' may help explain why PCOS often runs in families
Sourse: www.livescience.com
