Figure 2.

Senataxin (Setx) promotes DNA repair to preserve ovarian reserve and oocyte quality. During their protracted arrest in the ovary, oocytes are increasingly exposed to aging phenomenon such as oxidative stress, which induces DNA damage. Setx is required to repair this damage thereby preserving both oocyte number and quality (upper pathway). In contrast, on a background of compromised Setx function, DNA damage persists ultimately resulting in premature depletion of the oocyte pool and decline in oocyte quality (lower pathway).