Abstract
Female longevity is observed in humans and much of the animal kingdom, but its causes remain elusive. Using a genetic manipulation that generates XX and XY mice, each with either ovaries or testes, we show that the female XX sex chromosome complement increases survival during aging in male and female mice. In combination with ovaries, it also extends lifespan. Understanding causes of sex‐based differences in aging could lead to new pathways to counter age‐induced decline in both sexes.
Highlights
Women live longer than men around the world, regardless of culture or socioeconomic status (UnitedNations, 2015; Zarulli et al, 2018)
Female longevity is observed in the animal kingdom (Barrett & Richardson, 2011; Bronikowski et al, 2011; Clutton‐Brock & Isvaran, 2007) due to causes that may be extrinsic, intrinsic, or both
Sex chromosomes or gonads cause intrinsic sex differences in mammals, but whether they directly contribute to increased female lifespan is unknown in mammalian aging
Summary
Funding information Coulter‐Weeks Foundation; Bakar Foundation; Amercian Federation for Aging Research; Glenn Foundation for Medical Research; National Science Foundation, Grant/Award Number: 1650113; National Institute of Health, Grant/Award Number: AG034531, NS092918
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