Answers to Longevity, Fertility, and Aging Determined in Our DNA

Summary: A fresh assessment explores the genetic factors influencing sexual health, reproduction, and living expectancy. Scientists identified 37 essential genes linked to characteristics such as age at first pregnancy, menopause schedule, and testosterone levels, revealing biological connections to broader health outcomes.

The FSHB cell’s role in menstruation and menopause, as well as the connections between biological genes, longevity, cancer risk, and obesity, are noteworthy discoveries. These discoveries provide new insights into how DNA affects fertility and aging, as well as the ability for personal care strategies.

Major Information

Reproductive Genes: Genes like FSHB and ESR1 affect fertility, menstruation, and cancer threat.
• Longevity Links: A longer lifespan is associated with a higher cancer risk but earlier menopause or menstruation.
• Female Fertility: Genes like DNAH2 affect male levels and sperm work, addressing an under-researched place.

Origin: University of Oxford

Published now in&nbsp, Nature Aging, a new assessment by experts from Oxford Population Health and the University of Iceland reveals how your DNA patterns reproductive health, reproduction, and even living duration.

Led by researchers from the University of Oxford ‘s&nbsp, Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science&nbsp, and the University of Iceland, the assessment explores how biological versions may reveal differences in sexual health and longevity.

The research &nbsp provides the most thorough analysis of male and female reproductive characteristics to time, as well as new insight into how our DNA influences when we have kids, the menopause schedule, and even how that is related to how long we live. &nbsp,

Alleles at the heart of procreation

Using the&nbsp, GWAS Catalog, an online database of Genome Wide Association Studies ( GWAS ), the researchers identified 159 genetic studies and 37 key genes that are linked to reproductive traits such as age at first childbirth, menopause timing, and hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone ( FSH) and testosterone.

These findings support the existence of a major role for genetic factors in both shaping fertility and broader health outcomes.

One gene in particular, &nbsp, FSHB&nbsp, ( follicle-stimulating hormone subunit beta ), was found to be associated with eleven different reproductive outcomes. This protein plays a role in advancing sexual health and advancing age by regulating both menstruation and menopause.

Additionally, the review demonstrated how DNA affects both fertility and general health by highlighting connections between these biological genes and unusual genetic disorders.

As more people delay becoming parents at early years, it is crucial to know the genetic factors that govern an adult’s sexual health and reproduction glass, according to older lead author Professor Melinda Mills, Director of the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science and Oxford Population Health’s Demographic Science Unit.

Our study combines research on the genetics of reproduction to bring together traits and insights that are inherently related to health, body mass index ( BMI ) and obesity, hormone-sensitive cancers, and even psychiatric and behavioral traits.

First author&nbsp, Dr Stefanía Benónísdóttir, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science and University of Iceland, said’ By consolidating this research, we offer a clearer picture of how genetic factors shape reproductive health. This is crucial for improving healthcare, particularly in the context of infertility and reproductive ageing. ‘&nbsp,

Longevity, cancer, obesity risk and reproductive traits

The review explored the connections between reproductive genes and longevity, finding that genes like&nbsp, ESR1&nbsp, (estrogen receptor 1 ) are linked to reproductive traits as well as to cancer risk.

Starting menopause earlier or going through later menopause may increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer, but these same characteristics are linked to a longer lifespan.

The FTO ( fat mass and obesity associated ) gene, which was previously found to have strong connections with BMI, obesity risk, and type 2 diabetes, was also linked to a number of different reproductive traits.

As more people choose to delay having children, understanding these genetic connections will make both reproductive health and ageing issues even more complex. &nbsp,

Male fertility

While earlier studies focused on female reproductive health, the study examines what is known about male fertility genetics. Genes like&nbsp, DNAH2&nbsp, are shown to play a role in both testosterone levels and sperm function, making it crucial for male reproductive health.

Co-author&nbsp, Vincent Straub, DPhil student at the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science and Oxford Population Health, said’ Male reproductive health is critical to overall fertility but often under-researched. We can gain new insights and potential treatments for those who struggle with reproductive issues by studying the genetics of male infertility. ‘&nbsp,

Genetics across generations

The review looked at how genetic modifications might affect upcoming generations. As parents age, they accumulate&nbsp, de novo&nbsp, mutations – new, spontaneous genetic changes that can be passed to their children. These mutations can have significant effects on the health and development of offspring, &nbsp, previously discovered&nbsp, by senior co-author&nbsp, Professor Augustine Kong.

This thorough analysis provides important insights into how our genes influence regenerative health, fertility, and longevity, as well as providing the foundation for more personalized healthcare strategies that could enhance the lives of both children and families over time.

About this genetics, aging, and longevity research news

Author: Christopher McIntyre
Source: University of Oxford
Contact: Christopher McIntyre – University of Oxford
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News

Original Research: Closed access.
Melinda Mills and colleagues ‘” Genetics of female and male reproductive traits and their relationship with health, longevity, and consequences for offspring.” Nature Aging

Abstract

Genetics of male and female reproductive characteristics, their impact on health, longevity, and consequences for the offspring

In a number of high-income nations, significant changes in reproductive behaviors have recently occurred, including earlier menarche, advanced age at childbearing, rising childlessness, and a lower number of children.

Genetic factors may become more significant as reproduction shifts to older ages. Although socioeconomic factors are known to have monogenic genetic effects, socioeconomic factors frequently confound the genetic makeup of the genetic makeup of human reproductive traits.

Here, we review genome-wide association studies ( GWASs ) of 44 reproductive traits of both female and male individuals from 2007 to early 2024, examining reproductive behavior, reproductive lifespan and aging, infertility and hormonal concentration.

Using the GWAS Catalog as a basis, from 159 relevant studies, we isolate 37 genes that harbor association signals for four or more reproductive traits, more than half of which are linked to rare Mendelian disorders, including ten genes linked to reproductive-related disorders: &nbsp, FSHB, &nbsp, MCM8, &nbsp, DNAH2, &nbsp, WNT4, &nbsp, ESR1, &nbsp, IGSF1, &nbsp, THRB, &nbsp, BRWD1, &nbsp, CYP19A1&nbsp, and&nbsp, PTPRF.

We also reflect on the limitations, open questions, and difficulties in this fast-paced field while also reviewing the relationship between reproductive genetics and related health and behavioral traits, aging and longevity, and the impact of parental age on child outcomes.