Weakened chromosome anchors may help explain age-related declines in egg quality
As many as one in six adults face fertility difficulties worldwide, research has shown, and the challenge becomes harder as they age. Starting around age 35, the risk of eggs carrying an abnormal number of chromosomes rises steeply, contributing to declining fertility and increasing miscarriage rates. Understanding why these errors occur is essential for improving reproductive outcomes.
A Yale study published in the Journal of Cell Biology has revealed that weakened structures anchoring chromosomes may contribute to age-related declines in egg quality. As women age, their risk of egg abnormalities rises, increasing the likelihood of fertility issues and miscarriages. The research identifies three proteins—CENP-A, CENP-B, and CENP-C—that work together to maintain centromeres, the crucial chromosome anchor regions.
Aging weakens the molecular glue connecting chromosomes to the machinery that separates them, potentially leading to chromosome errors. By restoring one of these proteins in aged eggs, the researchers were able to improve chromosome positioning, suggesting a potential avenue for enhancing reproductive health.
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