Grant: Project Grant

Fertilization is the coming together of an egg and a sperm to form an embryo that can ultimately give rise to a baby. However, egg quality declines with advancing age. Specifically, eggs ovulated in the late 30s and 40s have an increased likelihood of being aneuploid, meaning they have the wrong number of chromosomes. But why this occurs is unclear. Aging also causes a progressive deterioration of the ovary, and it seems logical that this deterioration of the ovary with age might be responsible for the loss of egg quality that causes infertility. However, this notion is yet to be tested directly. Here, using a variety of new approaches, we will directly determine whether 'ovarian aging' is indeed responsible for egg aneuploidy. As part of our investigation we will focus on the impact of aging upon the mitochondria, the energy producing powerhouses found within the egg. Our experiments will provide key information regarding the root cause of age related infertility, and will provide much-needed insight as to the potential usefulness of several treatment strategies currently being considered.