Keqin Zhang/Chenggang Zou revealed that Vitellogenin accumulation leads to reproductive senescence by impairing lysosomal function in C. elegans

Recently, the Science China -Life Sciences published the research results of Keqin Zhang's team online.The maintenance of proteostasis is essential for cellular and organism healthspan. How proteostasis collapse influences reproductive span remains largely unclear.

This study, using fluorescent expression and knockdown of the vitellogenin gene, found that during reproductive aging, excessive vitellogenin accumulation occurs and is widespread throughout the body, leading to reproductive arrest. By knocking down the vitellogenin receptor RME-2 and lysosomal activity assays, it was found that excess vitellogenin is accumulated in the intestine and transported into the germline, impairing lysosomal activity in these tissues. And find that the lysosomal function in the germline is required for reproductive span by maintaining oocyte quality. In contrast, autophagy and sperm depletion are not involved in vitellogenin accumulation-induced reproductive aging. This study provide insights into how proteome imbalance has an impact on reproductive aging and imply that improvement of lysosomal function is an effective approach for mid-life intervention for maintaining reproductive health in mammals.

See the article：

Tang, J., Ma, Y.C., Chen, Y.L., Yang, R.Q., Liu, H.C., Wang, X., Ni, B., Zou, C.G., and Zhang, K.Q. (2023). Vitellogenin accumulation leads to reproductive senescence by impairing lysosomal function. Sci China Life Sci 66, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-022-2242-8

Science China Life Sciences

10.1007/s11427-022-2242-8