Fertility and Reproductive Health: Understanding of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology

Dear Colleagues,

Human fertility and reproductive health are essential aspects of overall well-being, governed by highly regulated biological processes. Disruptions in these processes can result in subfertility or infertility, which continue to present significant clinical and social challenges worldwide. Advances in molecular, cellular, and systemic reproductive biology, coupled with state-of-the-art technologies in imaging, genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, have provided unprecedented insights into gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, and implantation. These developments have enabled the detailed characterization of reproductive cells and tissues and unveiled novel regulatory mechanisms governing oocyte competence, sperm function, and embryo quality.

This Special Issue aims to bridge fundamental reproductive biology with translational and clinical research. We invite submissions covering a broad spectrum of topics including the molecular and ultrastructural regulation of gamete maturation—with particular emphasis on ultrastructural investigations that elucidate the fine cellular architecture and organelle dynamics of gametes and embryos, providing critical insights into their developmental competence and quality—meiotic control, gamete and embryo bioenergetics, and the effects of aging, metabolic disorders, as well as environmental factors on fertility. Studies exploring embryo–endometrium crosstalk and mechanisms underlying endometrial receptivity in both natural and assisted conception cycles are also encouraged.

Key consideration is afforded to innovations in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), encompassing advances in in vitro maturation, cryopreservation, embryo culture systems, and non-invasive embryo evaluation techniques. Mechanistic studies identifying biomarkers predictive of reproductive competence and pathological conditions are especially welcome. Furthermore, research addressing fertility preservation in the context of gonadotoxic exposures is of growing relevance, highlighting the need for integrative approaches that consider long-term reproductive health in patient management.

By integrating experimental, omics-driven, and clinical investigations, this Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of reproductive physiology and pathology. The overarching goal is to foster innovations in diagnostics, therapeutic strategies, and fertility preservation that improve reproductive outcomes and enhance the quality of life of patients facing diverse reproductive challenges.

Dr. Sevastiani Antonouli
Dr. Valentina Di Nisio
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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