Elevated N-glycosylated cathepsin L impairs oocyte function and contributes to oocyte senescence during reproductive aging.

ABSTRACT: Age-related declines in oocyte quality and ovarian function are pivotal contributors to female subfertility in clinical settings. Yet, the mechanisms driving ovarian aging and oocyte senescence remain inadequately understood. The present study evaluated the alterations in N-glycoproteins associated with ovarian aging and noted a pronounced elevation in N221 glycopeptides of cathepsin L (Ctsl) in the ovaries of reproductive-aged mice (8-9 months and 11-12 months) compared to younger counterparts (6-8 weeks). Subsequent analysis examined the involvement of Ctsl in oocyte aging and demonstrated a significant elevation in Ctsl levels in aged oocytes. Further, it was revealed that the overexpression of Ctsl in young oocytes substantially diminished their quality, while oocytes expressing an N22

SUBMITTER: Zhang K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11822660 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature