A recent study involving 200,000 women revealed hundreds of genetic variants that were involved in determining the age of menopause. 290 different variants dictate how the body responds to eggs with damaged DNA. Researchers believe that one day studying these variants will broaden reproductive lifespans, and improve in vitro fertilization. Studying these variants may also lead to the creation of a diagnostic test that helps predict when women will begin their menopause cycles. Not only do these variants allow scientists to predict reproductive processes, but it allows researchers to learn so much more about the genetic influence on reproductive processes. Studying these variants has already been so beneficial. First off, it has led to the discovery that many women who have delayed menopause have lost function of the CHEK2 gene. This gene, as a result, produces the CHEK2 protein causing cells with damaged DNA to stop dividing or worse, triggering to self-destruct. Without studying these variants, we would not have the abundance of knowledge that we do regarding the female reproductive system. Knowing these things allows women to take precautions ahead of time and allows them to lead a better and healthier life.
Article Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02128-y
Related Link: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/aug/04/genetic-secret-to-age-women-start-menopause-discovered
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