Researchers have identified several genes that play a determining role in fertility and life expectancy.
- A new study shows that genetic variations can explain differences in reproductive health and longevity.
- DNA can affect fertility, the timing of having children, the timing of menopause and even life expectancy.
- This work can help develop more personalized approaches to reproductive health care.
Eye and hair color, height, predisposition to certain diseases… DNA shapes many elements of our identity and our health. Researchers from the universities of Oxford and Iceland have also provided new information on how it affects fertility, the timing of menopause or even life expectancy.
Their findings were detailed in the journal Nature Aging on December 13, 2024.
Several genes impact fertility
By using the online database Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS), the team identified 159 genetic studies and 37 genes linked to reproductive characteristics such as sex hormones (follicular stimulating hormone or testosterone) or the time of menopause.
The FSHB (follicle-stimulating hormone beta subunit) gene, in particular, is associated with several elements of reproductive health. “This gene helps regulate the onset of menstruation and the timing of menopause, highlighting its role in reproductive health and aging. The review also revealed links between these reproductive genes and rare genetic disorders, showing how ‘DNA impacts both fertility and overall health’specify the authors in their press release.
During the study, scientists also highlighted an association between reproductive genes and longevity. Indeed, they found that genes like ESR1 are linked to reproductive traits as well as cancer risk. For example, starting puberty earlier or experiencing menopause later may increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer, but these same traits are associated with longer lifespan. The gene FTO – already strongly linked to BMI, the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes – was, for its part, associated with several different reproductive characteristics.
“As more people delay parenthood to older ages, it is important to understand the genetic factors that underlie an individual’s reproductive health and fertile window. Our study brings together research on genetics of reproduction to reveal common genes for traits and knowledge beyond fertility that are intrinsically linked to health, body mass index (BMI) and obesity, hormone-sensitive cancers, and even psychiatric and behavioral traits”explains lead author Melinda Mills.
“By consolidating this research, we provide a clearer picture of how genetic factors shape reproductive health. This is essential for advancing health care, particularly when it comes to infertility and reproductive agingadds his colleague Dr Stefanía Benónísdóttir.
The genetics of male infertility brought to light
Researchers haven’t just focused on women’s reproductive health. They also studied male DNA. Their work demonstrated that genes like DNAH2 play a role in both testosterone levels and sperm function. “Which makes them crucial to male reproductive health.”
“Male reproductive health is essential to overall fertility, but it is often under-researched. By exploring the genetics of male infertility, we can uncover new insights and potential treatments for people struggling with reproductive problems”recalls co-author Vincent Straub.
Scientists have confirmed that late parenthood can impact DNA. As people age, they accumulate de novo mutations, or spontaneous genetic changes that they can pass on to children. These variants can have significant effects on the health and development of offspring, according to the authors.
The team believes that this DNA research can help develop more personalized healthcare approaches that would improve outcomes for individuals as well as families across generations.
