From Development to Death: Molecular Pathways inside the Oocyte

Dear Colleagues,

As Guest Editors of the Special Issue “From development to death: Molecular pathways inside the oocyte”, we would like to invite you to submit reviews, mini-reviews, original research articles and short communications that advance our understanding of the multifaceted fates and pathways contained within a mammalian oocyte. This Special Issue of Cells will address the biology, developmental competence and limited reproductive lifespan of an oocyte, a cell that is of general interest worldwide. In the last three decades, reproductive medicine has gained the attention of both researchers and doctors, since there are important implications for society, as the number of first pregnancies at advanced reproductive age, 35 years and above, has increased significantly in most industrialized countries. As a consequence, a growing number of women will depend on assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to become pregnant, based on their wish to postpone childbearing. Although fundamental advances have been generated in the field of reproductive medicine and assisted reproductive technologies, molecular factors and pathways that could be pivotal for the oocyte’s developmental competence and lifespan remain elusive. Therefore, in this Special Issue, we intend to cover all topics related to the biology and molecular biology of a mammalian oocyte, ranging from oogenesis and the development and maturation of oocytes, to follicular atresia and cell death. 

Yours sincerely,
Dr. Paweł Kordowitzki
Prof. Dr. Mariusz Skowronski
Guest Editors

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