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Reproductive Biology and Germ Cell Development, 2nd Edition
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Reproductive Biology and Germ Cell Development, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 7560

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Huafeng Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
Interests: membrane proteins; channels and their functional regulation in sperm; sperm and male fertility; reproduction; ion channel; cellular signaling; sperm function and male infertility
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sperm and eggs are one of the central components in animals, and they must undergo elaborate challenges to transfer the genome to the next generation. This route utilizes meiosis, gametogenesis and fertilization, processes that are unique to germ cells and involved in extensive signaling regulation. Many details about reproduction in animals have remained mysterious since fertilization was explored during the 18th and 19th centuries. Given the developments of technologies and their applications in the reproduction field, further understanding the molecular mechanisms implicated in defective germ cell function, particularly those arising from genetic abnormalities, is of utmost importance not only for assessing the overall health of a patient, but also the development of infertility treatments. Alongside that, epidemiology studies are also considered for inclusion, especially any with potential clinical applicability.

Following the first edition, this second edition also aims to provide novel insights into germ cell development and function regulation, together with infertility diagnosis and treatment. It will discuss topics including, but not limited to, novel genes, proteins, signaling modification or regulation involving gametogenesis, sperm selection and regulation, and fertilization. We are looking forward to receiving valuable contributions from researchers and academicians all around the world.

Dr. Huafeng Wang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • reproduction
  • fertilization
  • sperm
  • oocyte
  • signaling
  • infertility

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1257 KiB  
Article
Serum and Seminal Plasma Zinc Levels and Immunopositivity of the ZIP6 and ZIP14 Transporters in Men with Normo- and Teratozoospermia
by Aleksandra Veselinović, Aleksandar Stojsavljević, Aleksandra Arsić, Dragana Bojović-Jović, Vesna Vučić and Igor Golić
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(2), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47020101 - 6 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2795
Abstract
Zinc plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis, sperm function, and fertilisation. Zinc homeostasis is regulated by ZIP and ZnT transporter proteins, which mediate Zn2+ influx and efflux across sperm cell membranes. This study analysed total Zn concentration in seminal plasma and serum [...] Read more.
Zinc plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis, sperm function, and fertilisation. Zinc homeostasis is regulated by ZIP and ZnT transporter proteins, which mediate Zn2+ influx and efflux across sperm cell membranes. This study analysed total Zn concentration in seminal plasma and serum of 10 normozoospermic and 32 teratozoospermic men involved in the process of infertility treatment, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In addition, the expression of Zn transporters ZIP6 and ZIP14 in the sperm of two normozoospermic and two teratozoospermic men was analysed using immunofluorescence. Applying Student’s t test and the Mann–Whitney U test, we found no significant differences in Zn concentrations in seminal plasma and serum between groups. ZIP6 was mainly localised in the sperm head, with slightly higher immunopositivity in normozoospermic than teratozoospermic samples, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. ZIP14 was mainly found in the sperm head, and some teratozoospermic samples showed immunopositivity in the tail, although there were no significant differences in ZIP14 immunopositivity between normozoospermic and teratozoospermic samples. The results suggest that Zn concentrations in seminal plasma and serum, and the expression of ZIP6 and ZIP14, do not differ in normo- and teratozospermic samples, and emphasise the complex interplay of factors underlying male fertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biology and Germ Cell Development, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 9762 KiB  
Article
Transcriptional Profiling of Testis Development in Pre-Sexually-Mature Hezuo Pig
by Zunqiang Yan, Qiaoli Yang, Pengfei Wang and Shuangbao Gun
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47010010 - 29 Dec 2024
Viewed by 912
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is an advanced biological process, relying on intricate interactions between somatic and germ cells in testes. Investigating various cell types is challenging because of cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) offers a method to analyze cellular heterogeneity. In this research, we performed [...] Read more.
Spermatogenesis is an advanced biological process, relying on intricate interactions between somatic and germ cells in testes. Investigating various cell types is challenging because of cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) offers a method to analyze cellular heterogeneity. In this research, we performed 10× Genomics scRNA-seq to conduct an unbiased single-cell transcriptomic analysis in Hezuo pig (HZP) testis at one month of age during prepuberty. We collected 14,276 cells and identified 8 cell types (including 2 germ cells types and 6 somatic cell types). Pseudo-timing analysis demonstrated that Leydig cells (LCs) and myoid cells (MCs) originated from a shared progenitor cell lineage. Moreover, the functional enrichment analyses showed that the genes of differential expression were enriched in spermatogonia (SPG) and were enriched in the cell cycle, reproduction, and spermatogenesis. Expressed genes in spermatocytes (SPCs) were enriched in the cAMP, cell cycle, male gamete generation, reproductive system development, and sexual reproduction, while growth hormone synthesis, gamete generation, reproductive process, and spermine synthase activity were enriched in Sertoli cells (SCs). Additionally, chemokine, B cell receptor, activation of immune response, and enzyme binding were enriched in macrophages. Our study investigated transcriptional alterations across different cell types during spermatogenesis, yielding new understandings of spermatogenic processes and cell development. This research delivers an exploration of spermatogenesis and testicular cell biology in HZP, establishing the groundwork for upcoming breeding initiatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biology and Germ Cell Development, 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 6522 KiB  
Article
Immunolocalization of Aquaporin 1, 2, and 9 in Anuran Testis of the Neotropical Pointedbelly Frog Leptodactylus podicipinus
by Rafael O. A. Bordin, Classius de Oliveira and Raquel F. Domeniconi
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(9), 9958-9969; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46090594 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 852
Abstract
Many anuran survival strategies involve hydric regulation, and reproduction is not different. The aquaporin (AQP) family plays an important role in water transport and regulation in many tissues, including the male gonad. The testes undergo various stages of change during the reproductive cycle, [...] Read more.
Many anuran survival strategies involve hydric regulation, and reproduction is not different. The aquaporin (AQP) family plays an important role in water transport and regulation in many tissues, including the male gonad. The testes undergo various stages of change during the reproductive cycle, and water balance is an important factor for ensuring reproductive success. Considering the relevance of water control in testicular development in anurans and the lack of research regarding the tissue localization of AQP in the male gonad, the present study investigated the expression of three AQPs (1, 2, and 9) in the testis of the neotropical anuran species Leptodactylus podicipinus during two different periods of the reproductive cycle (reproductive and non-reproductive). AQP1 and 2 immunoreactions were found in early germ cells, spermatozoa, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells, which were more frequently expressed within the reproductive period. AQP1 was also found in the testicular blood vessels. AQP9 was identified predominantly in the epithelium of the intratesticular ducts of reproductive-period individuals. This study presents, for the first time, the localization of AQP1, AQP2, and AQP9 in the testes of an anuran species and the differences in their location during two distinct periods of the reproductive cycle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biology and Germ Cell Development, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 1333 KiB  
Article
Apoptotic Receptors and CD107a Expression by NK Cells in an Interaction Model with Trophoblast Cells
by Valentina A. Mikhailova, Dmitry I. Sokolov, Polina V. Grebenkina, Dmitry O. Bazhenov, Igor P. Nikolaenkov, Igor Yu. Kogan and Areg A. Totolian
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(8), 8945-8957; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46080528 - 16 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1488
Abstract
Natural killer cells (NK cells) exert cytotoxicity towards target cells in several ways, including the expression of apoptosis-mediating ligands (TRAIL, FasL). In addition, NK cells themselves may be susceptible to apoptosis due to the expression of TRAIL receptors. These receptors include TRAIL-R1 (DR4), [...] Read more.
Natural killer cells (NK cells) exert cytotoxicity towards target cells in several ways, including the expression of apoptosis-mediating ligands (TRAIL, FasL). In addition, NK cells themselves may be susceptible to apoptosis due to the expression of TRAIL receptors. These receptors include TRAIL-R1 (DR4), TRAIL-R2 (DR5), capable of inducing apoptosis, and TRAIL-R3 (DcR1), TRAIL-R4 (DcR2), the so-called “decoy receptors”, which lack an intracellular domain initiating activation of caspases. Of particular interest is the interaction of uterine NK cells with cells of fetal origin, trophoblasts, which are potential targets for natural killer cells to carry out cytotoxicity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the expression of proapoptotic receptors and their ligands as well as CD107a expression by NK cells in a model of interaction with trophoblast cells. To evaluate NK cells, we used cells of the NK-92 line; cells of the JEG-3 line were used as target cells. The cytokines IL-1β, IL-15, IL-18, TNFα, IL-10, TGFβ and conditioned media (CM) of the first and third trimester chorionic villi explants were used as inducers. We established that cytokines changed the expression of apoptotic receptors by NK cells: in the presence of TNFα, the amount and intensity of Fas expression increased, while in the presence of TGFβ, the amount and intensity of expression of the DR5 receptor decreased. Soluble chorionic villi factors alter the expression of TRAIL and FasL by NK-92 cells, which can reflect the suppression of the TRAIL-dependent mechanism of apoptosis in the first trimester and stimulating the Fas-dependent mechanism in the third trimester. In the presence of trophoblast cells, the expression of TRAIL and DcR1 by NK cells was reduced compared to intact cells, indicating an inhibitory effect of trophoblast cells on NK cell cytotoxicity. In the presence of chorionic villi CM and trophoblast cells, a reduced number of NK-92 cells expressing DR4 and DR5 was found. Therefore, soluble factors secreted by chorionic villi cells regulate the resistance of NK cells to death by binding TRAIL, likely maintaining their activity at a certain level in case of contact with trophoblast cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biology and Germ Cell Development, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 2407 KiB  
Review
Folliculogenesis: A Cellular Crosstalk Mechanism
by Bianca Viviana Orozco-Galindo, Blanca Sánchez-Ramírez, Cynthia Lizeth González-Trevizo, Beatriz Castro-Valenzuela, Luis Varela-Rodríguez and M. Eduviges Burrola-Barraza
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(2), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47020113 - 10 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1057
Abstract
In vitro embryo production has accelerated in the cattle industry in recent years. Because women are similar to cows, this represents an opportunity to improve women’s reproductive protocols. This review focuses on crosstalk communication during folliculogenesis for an in-depth understanding of the events [...] Read more.
In vitro embryo production has accelerated in the cattle industry in recent years. Because women are similar to cows, this represents an opportunity to improve women’s reproductive protocols. This review focuses on crosstalk communication during folliculogenesis for an in-depth understanding of the events involved in developing the oocyte competence necessary to generate an embryo after fertilization. This knowledge can be used to improve oocytes in in vitro maturation cultures, which would allow us to obtain oocytes of high quality and competence, resulting in successful pregnancies in both women and cows. The first part of this review covers the concepts of cellular crosstalk before puberty in the primordial, primary, and secondary follicles. The next part involves cellular crosstalk after puberty, when gonadotropin hormones act on the ovary, promoting oocyte maturation. The final part comprises a perspective on using cow models to study human ovary physiology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biology and Germ Cell Development, 2nd Edition)
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