Reduced <i>Akr1b7</i> signaling drives ovarian aging and reproductive dysfunction.

ABSTRACT: Natural ovarian aging is associated with a progressive decline in female fertility. Here, we comprehensively analyzed RNA expression during ovarian aging in mice during the estrous cycle following ovulation stimulation. The transient activation of the Aldo-keto reductase Akr1b7 pathway observed in the ovaries of young mice was absent in older mice. Akr1b7 ^-/- mice exhibit attenuated oocyte Akt activation, impaired follicular development, an increased proportion of ovulated immature oocytes, and decreased litter size. The estrous cycle is extended in Akr1b7 ^-/- mice due to a prolonged diestrous stage, driven by sustained progesterone levels. This elevation in progesterone was associated with the reduced expression of Cyp17a1, a progesterone-

SUBMITTER: Isayama K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12918200 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature