Ovary-Brain Crosstalk in Aging
The influence of ovarian aging extends far beyond the reproductive system, with profound effects on whole-body health, particularly the brain. Following menopause, women face an increased risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. While hormonal changes are a known factor, the full spectrum of communication between the ovary and brain remains unclear. We hypothesize that senescent cells in the aging ovary release signaling molecules that actively drive aging processes in the brain.
Our goal is to systematically map the inter-organ communication network between the ovary and the brain throughout the aging process. Using mouse models at different life stages, we will generate parallel single-cell atlases of the ovaries and key brain regions (e.g., hypothalamus, hippocampus). With this data, we will use computational methods to identify the specific signals sent by ovarian cells, track their potential paths to the brain, and map their target cells. This work will unravel how the reproductive clock influences the pace of brain aging and open new avenues for protecting cognitive function in women.