Effects and Mechanisms of Endocrine Disruptors on Germ Cells, Gonads and Embryos

Dear Colleagues,

Living organisms are inescapably exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) of both industrial or natural production, which, by interfering with hormonal and metabolic processes, disrupt the development/homeostasis of tissues and organs at any time of an individual’s life.

A wealth of experimental and epidemiological studies demonstrated reproductive defects in both males and females, leading to infertility. EDCs have genotoxic effects and impair gene expression through epigenetic modifications (i.e., methylation of CpG sites, histone modifications and production of non-coding RNA). Besides direct effects on exposed organisms, trans-generational impairment of the reproductive ability in both sexes has been reported when the offspring is presented to EDCs during fetal and neonatal periods.

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

We welcome original research articles, reviews, commentary, perspectives and technical notes that, at the molecular, cellular and tissue hierarchical levels, describe the effects of EDCs on primordial germ cells, ovarian and testis function, folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis, oocyte and sperm quality, embryonic development either in vivo or in vitro. Also, welcome are articles describing the effects of EDCs in experimental models using cell lines, stem cells or organoids.

We look forward to your contributions.

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

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