MIT-001 ameliorates ferroptosis-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and enhances embryo quality in preimplantation embryos from aged female mice - 17/08/25
, Jae Ho Lee a, b, ⁎ 
Abstract |
Advanced maternal age is closely associated with reduced oocyte and embryo quality, impaired mitochondrial function, and decreased implantation potential. Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a key contributor to the age-related decline in reproductive capacity. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of mitochondria-targeted 001 (MIT-001), a novel anti-ferroptosis agent, to improve the quality of preimplantation embryos derived from aged female mice. In vitro assays using human granulosa-like KGN cells demonstrated that MIT-001 effectively protected against Ras-selective lethal 3 (RSL3)-induced ferroptosis, restored cell viability, and recovered estradiol synthesis, indicating that steroidogenic function was restored. To evaluate the efficacy of MIT-001 in vitro, preimplantation embryos were collected from aged BDF1 mice and cultured in the presence of MIT-001. Embryos treated with MIT-001 showed significantly improved developmental progression and increased blastocyst formation rates compared with untreated controls. Furthermore, MIT-001 enhanced the mitochondrial membrane potential and oxygen consumption rate, as assessed by live confocal imaging and Seahorse assays, suggesting that mitochondrial function was restored. These findings highlight the role of ferroptosis in deterioration of embryo quality associated with maternal aging and demonstrate that MIT-001 mitigates ferroptosis-induced cellular damage. In conclusion, MIT-001 is a promising candidate for therapeutic intervention to improve clinical reproductive outcomes in aged females by targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and regulated cell death pathways.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Graphical Abstract |
MIT-001 Protects Against Ferroptosis-Induced Mitochondrial Damage. MIT-001 inhibits ferroptosis by restoring mitochondrial function and regulating oxidative stress and metal ion homeostasis. This diagram illustrates the proposed mechanism by which MIT-001 prevents ROS accumulation and calcium/iron dysregulation, thereby protecting against mitochondrial dysfunction during ferroptosis.
MIT-001 Protects Against Ferroptosis-Induced Mitochondrial Damage. MIT-001 inhibits ferroptosis by restoring mitochondrial function and regulating oxidative stress and metal ion homeostasis. This diagram illustrates the proposed mechanism by which MIT-001 prevents ROS accumulation and calcium/iron dysregulation, thereby protecting against mitochondrial dysfunction during ferroptosis.Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.
Highlights |
• | MIT-001 alleviates ferroptosis-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in granulosa cells. |
• | MIT-001 enhances cleavage and blastocyst formation in aged preimplantation embryos. |
• | MIT-001 preserves the MMP and lowers oxidative stress during ferroptosis. |
• | MIT-001 restores ferroptosis-impaired steroidogenesis in granulosa cells. |
• | MIT-001 offers a novel strategy to protect female fertility from ferroptotic damage. |
Abbreviations : ΔΨm, 2PN, ANOVA, ART, BDF1, CCK, DMEM/F-12, E2, FACS, FBS, GC, GPX4, GSH, HCG, KGN, LDH, MIT-001, OCR, PMSG, ROS, RSL3, SEM, SRC
Keywords : Preimplantation embryo, Aging, Ferroptosis, Mitochondrial function, Embryo quality, MIT-001
Plan
| ☆ | This research was financially supported by the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Startups (MSS), Korea, under the “Scale-up Tips (Government-funded R&D, RS-2023–00322055)” supervised by the Korea Technology and Information Promotion Agency for SMEs. |
Vol 190
Article 118393- septembre 2025 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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