Effects and Mechanisms of Environmental Toxicants and Nanoparticles on Germ Cells, Gonads, Embryos and Stem Cells

Dear Colleagues,

This is the second edition of “Effects and Mechanisms of Endocrine Disruptors on Germ Cells, Gonads and Embryos” whose first edition has published 10 papers.

Here, we are broadening the focus of the first edition from endocrine disruptors alone to all toxic agents released into the environment by human activities, i.e., environmental toxicants (ETs) and nanoparticles (NPs), as they contribute significantly to the pathophysiology of several human diseases. In the present issue, we also include stem cells and derived in vitro culture systems as they represent the essential platforms for understanding the mechanisms underlying ET- and NP-induced alterations. For these reasons, the title of this new edition is 'Effects and Mechanisms of Environmental Toxicants and Nanoparticles on Germ Cells, Gonads, Embryos and Stem Cells'.

From conception to senescence, living organisms are inevitably exposed to industrially or naturally produced factors which, by interfering with hormonal and metabolic processes, may cause short- or long-term alterations in the development and homeostasis of tissues and organs.

In this context, a wealth of experimental and epidemiological studies demonstrated the reproductive defects in both males and females, leading to infertility. ETs and NPs have genotoxic effects and impair gene expression through epigenetic modifications (i.e., the methylation of CpG sites, histone modifications and the production of non-coding RNA). Besides the direct effects on exposed organisms, the trans-generational impairment of the reproductive ability in both sexes has been reported when the offspring was exposed.

With this Special Issue, we aim to provide an important resource for understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the ETs or NPs observed effects on vertebrate germ cells, gonads, gametes, embryos and steroidogenesis.

We welcome original research articles and reviews at the molecular, cellular and tissue hierarchical levels, describing the effects of ETs or NPs on primordial germ cells, fetal gonads, ovarian and testis functions, folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis, oocyte and sperm quality, embryonic development either in vivo or in vitro and steroidogenesis. Furthermore, we welcome articles describing the effects of ETs or NPs in experimental models using cell lines, stem cells or organoids.

We look forward to your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Silvia Garagna
Prof. Dr. Maurizio Zuccotti
Dr. Danilo Cimadomo
Dr. Giulia Fiorentino
Guest Editors

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