Superovulation and ageing of the female reproductive tract

• Applicant: Dr. Angela Teresa Filimon Goncalves, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Gynaecology and Obstetrics ; General Genetics and Functional Genome Biology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 458893976

The ageing of the reproductive system plays a significant role in human life and healthspan, contributing to a broad range of morbidities unrelated to reproduction itself. Yet, very little is known about the mechanisms that drive these tissues’ functional decline. Our groups have previously used single-cell transcriptional analyses to functionally dissect male and female reproductive organs, as well as conclusively identify cell-to-cell transcriptional variability as a hallmark of ageing. Here, we will map the transcriptional and cell compositional changes across the normal estrus cycle in the female reproductive organs: ovary, oviduct, uterus, cervix and vagina. We will then analyse naturally ageing mouse cohorts to determine the rate at which specific organs and cell-types show hallmarks of ageing. Finally, we will evaluate the short- and long-term impact of repeated superovulation on reproductive tissues, and test whether these recurrent hormone treatments accelerate the aging of the primary female reproductive tract tissues.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants