Tue Jun 10 19:16:24 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Researchers at India’s National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) have discovered that reducing the activity of the protein ‘Cathepsin B’ (Cat B) can slow down ovarian aging and extend female fertility. The study, conducted on mouse models and cultured goat ovaries, suggests that lowering Cat B levels could delay egg loss, addressing the declining fertility rates in both humans and livestock due to aging. This discovery holds significant implications for improving reproductive health and livestock productivity in India.
**News Article:**
**Indian Scientists Discover Key to Extending Female Fertility**
**HYDERABAD, INDIA – June 11, 2025** – In a groundbreaking discovery with far-reaching implications for both human and animal reproduction, researchers at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) in India have identified a molecular mechanism that could extend female fertility.
The team, led by Prasad Rao, found that reducing the activity of a cellular protein called ‘Cathepsin B’ (Cat B) helps preserve the ovarian reserve, the finite pool of egg cells that determine a female’s reproductive lifespan. Unlike sperm, these egg cells cannot be regenerated, and their quantity and quality decline with age, leading to decreased fertility.
“By lowering its levels [Cat B], we may be able to delay egg loss, effectively extending fertility naturally,” said Mr. Rao. The study, published in the latest issue of ‘Aging Cell,’ used mouse models and cultured goat ovaries to demonstrate the protein’s role in ovarian aging.
The findings are particularly relevant to India, where declining fertility affects both women and livestock, impacting rural economies. While assisted reproductive technologies exist, they are often expensive and less effective in older women. A biological method to slow ovarian aging could revolutionize fertility preservation for millions. For farmers, extending the reproductive lifespan of livestock could improve herd productivity and support their incomes.
“This is a rare moment where science serves both the farm and the family,” said NIAB director G. Taru Sharma. “This discovery bridges animal science and human medicine, promising a future where age is no longer a barrier to reproduction.”
The discovery provides hope for addressing the challenges of reproductive health and rural sustainability in India. Further research is underway to translate these findings into practical interventions for both humans and livestock.
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