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Structural and energetic changes in mitochondria associated with aging rodent ooctyes may be overcome by mitochondrial microinjection
Author(s) -
Castora Frank J.,
Duran Fatma,
Li Fang,
Ford Wentia,
Birdsall Paige,
Mezezi Aami,
Swanson R. James
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.589.2
Subject(s) - microinjection , oocyte , mitochondrion , mitochondrial dna , biology , hamster , microbiology and biotechnology , somatic cell , embryo , andrology , senescence , ageing , blastocyst , genetics , gene , embryogenesis , medicine
Growing evidence suggests that age‐related sub‐fertility in mammals is linked to oocyte senescence and the resultant changes in oocyte structure and function that accumulate over time. Recent studies have shown that low quality oocytes have age‐related dysfunctions including reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage and changes in mitochondrial gene expression. In this study, we demonstrate a significant reduction in oocyte ATP level and oocyte mtDNA number during mouse and hamster aging. These age‐related deficits are also reflected in changes in the oocyte cytoplasmic lamellae and mitochondrial cristae. We have chosen the hamster as a model system to evaluate the effects of microinjection of purified mitochondria into aged oocytes. We recover mitochondria from platelets from age‐matched surrogates. We posit that mitochondria from “old” animal platelets behave in many ways like those from “young” animals. ATP production increased significantly in the microinjected group compared to a mock‐injected control, however mtDNA number was not significantly altered. Embryo development to blastocyst stage was not improved by microinjection. These results were promising but inconsistent. We are developing an approach using magnetic beads to prepare mitochondria of high purity and quality. Support was from the Jones Institute Foundation and the EVMS Dept. of OBGYN.