Investigating loss of the Y chromosome as a targetable driver of aging-related pathologies
As men age, their blood cells can spontaneously lose the Y chromosome - a critical piece of genetic material that helps regulate cellular functions. This loss affects approximately 40% of men over age 70 and is associated with an increased risk of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. Dr. Sheltzer’s research aims to accomplish three goals: (1) map the prevalence of Y chromosome loss across different organs, (2) understand how cells are altered by this loss, and (3) investigate a potential therapeutic strategy to eliminate cells that have lost the Y chromosome. If successful, this research could lead to novel interventions that selectively remove these harmful cells from aging men's bodies, potentially extending both lifespan and healthspan.
