Germline loss diminishes somatic mitochondria but confers preservation of respiratory function during aging and hypothermia

Reproductive status influences metabolism and health across lifespan in diverse ways and mitochondrial function playing a critical role in mediating this relationship. Using the Caenorhabditis elegans germline ablation model, we investigated the impact of germline stem cell (GSC) loss on mitochondrial dynamics and respiratory function. Our results show that GSC loss reduces mitochondrial volume and respiratory function in young adulthood but preserves mitochondrial activity during aging and upon exposure to hypothermic stress, correlating with enhanced survival. We found that the transcription factor NHR-49/PPARα, but not DAF-16/FOXO3A, was essential for preserving mitochondrial function and hypothermia resistance in these long-lived mutants. Together, these findings reveal the impact of germline signals on somatic mitochondrial health and underscore the intricate relationship between reproductive fitness and organismal health.