Genomic and Molecular Determinants of HPV-Related Reproductive Health

A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Genomics and Genetic Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 August 2026 | Viewed by 679

Editors


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Guest Editor
Scientific Laboratory for Innovative Technologies in Internal Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Overall Care, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
Interests: prevention; public health; cytology; gynecology; cancer; fertility; hpv infection; screening and early detection; vaccination; molecular diagnosis; genomics and multi-omics; microbiome; reproductive health; precision medicine; oxidative stress

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Guest Editor
Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 4th Kilometer National Highway Str. Ioannina-Athens, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
Interests: human fertility; human reproduction; fertility; reproductive genetics; oxidative stress; reproductive disorders; bioinformatics; genomics and multi-omics; biomarkers of reproductive health
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the genomic, epigenomic and molecular mechanisms that shape Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and its consequences for reproductive health. We welcome studies exploring host genetic susceptibility, viral genomic diversity and the molecular basis of host–virus interactions. Particular emphasis is placed on multi-omics approaches—including epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics—to identify biomarkers linked to HPV persistence, disease progression and fertility outcomes. Research on vaginal and intestinal microbiome composition, metabolic alterations and oxidative stress pathways is also encouraged, given their emerging roles in HPV-related pathophysiology. In addition, contributions addressing genomic determinants of infertility in both women and men, as well as immune–genetic factors influencing HPV vaccine response, are of high interest. Studies integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning or precision-medicine frameworks to enhance diagnostics and risk stratification are particularly welcomed. This Special Issue aims to advance comprehensive, systems-level insights into HPV biology and reproductive health.

Dr. Nektaria Zagorianakou
Dr. Efthalia Moustakli
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • viral genomics
  • epigenomics
  • proteomics
  • vaginal microbiome
  • intestinal microbiome
  • metabolic pathways
  • oxidative stress
  • infertility genetics
  • reproductive health
  • personalized medicine
  • precision medicine
  • AI-driven diagnostics

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

22 pages, 955 KB  
Review
The Microbiome–Mitochondria–Extracellular Vesicle Axis in HPV Persistence and Cervical Carcinogenesis
by Efthalia Moustakli, Stylianos Makrydimas, Emmanouil D. Oikonomou, Agni Nakou, Eleni Albani and Nektaria Zagorianakou
Genes 2026, 17(6), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17060655 - 1 Jun 2026
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Abstract
Persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection leading to cervical carcinogenesis can be attributed to the action of high-risk HPVs, but there are still some unclear factors involved in the mechanisms of either viral clearance or persistence. Although many infections may be self-limiting and [...] Read more.
Persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection leading to cervical carcinogenesis can be attributed to the action of high-risk HPVs, but there are still some unclear factors involved in the mechanisms of either viral clearance or persistence. Although many infections may be self-limiting and cleared successfully by the immune response of the infected individuals, other infections result in persistent HPV infection. Recent studies indicate that microbiota in the gut and cervicovaginal tract modulate host immune status, mucosal inflammation, and epithelial barrier integrity. All these factors determine susceptibility to persistent infection. Inflammation, overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), genomic instability, and impaired antiviral transcription pathways are associated with dysbiosis. In parallel, redox imbalance contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction, impairing mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS)-dependent interferon responses and attenuating induction of interferon-stimulated genes. Additionally, extracellular vesicles (EVs) further promote immune evasion, metabolic programming, and epigenetic regulation by facilitating the intercellular exchange of viral constituents, microRNAs, and signaling molecules. Through this interconnected network of mechanisms, microbial dysbiosis, mitochondrial disruption, and EV signaling collectively shape a niche conducive to persistence. Unlike previous reviews that primarily examine microbiome alterations, oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial dysfunction, extracellular vesicles, or immune responses as separate processes, this review integrates clinical and omics findings into a systems-based conceptual framework of HPV persistence. By emphasizing the potential interactions among these interconnected biological systems, we aim to identify points of biological convergence, generate mechanistic hypotheses, and highlight opportunities for future biomarker development and therapeutic intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomic and Molecular Determinants of HPV-Related Reproductive Health)
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