Study Reveals Human Eggs Gather Fewer Mutations With Age Than Previously Believed

Quick Summary

• A new study suggests that human eggs may be protected against age-related mitochondrial mutations.
• Researchers analyzed mitochondrial DNA in 80 eggs from 22 women aged between 20 to 42. They found no increase in mitochondrial mutations with age.
• This finding challenges the assumption that older womenS eggs accumulate more mitochondrial mutations,as happens with chromosomal mutations.
• Mitochondria, providing energy to cells and passed down maternally, can sometimes mutate and impact muscle and nerve cells; however, such mutation accumulation seems absent in human egg cells.
• The lead researcher hypothesizes an evolved mechanism reducing mutation burden, possibly aiding later-life reproduction.
• Comparative studies in macaques showed a rise in egg mitochondria mutations until their reproductive prime but constant levels afterward.