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Embryonic Development and Differentiation: 2nd Edition
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Embryonic Development and Differentiation: 2nd Edition

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 February 2026) | Viewed by 11219

Special Issue Editor

Dr. László Márk

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pécs Medical School, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
2. National Human Reproduction Laboratory, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
3. ELKH-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
Interests: mass spectrometry; imaging mass spectrometry; embryogenesis; cancer diagnosis; andrology; fertilization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This is a continuation of the Special Issue “Embryonic Development and Differentiation”.

Human infertility is a global problem with significant social and economic impact. Successful pregnancy is a complex process comprising unique events, including fertilization, implantation, decidualization, placentation, and birth. Nowadays, assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) have provided a remarkable impact on successful pregnancy after in vitro fertilization. However, these methods are associated with a relatively low clinical pregnancy rate of approximately 30% per transfer. The uterus’s receptive phase is marked by the endometrium’s structural and functional maturation. This is a limited time span when the blastocyst competency is superimposed on the receptive endometrium. It is well-known that the lipid and protein metabolism and signaling of early-stage pregnancy are vital in successful embryogenesis. However, embryo–maternal molecular communication is poorly understood, nor is it understood whether IVF’s low take-home baby outcome results from some abnormal molecular networking.

This Special Issue calls for original articles and reviews that will provide the readers of IJMS with a comprehensive elucidation of fertilization, embryonic development, and molecular networking during embryogenesis.

Dr. László Márk
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • blastocyte
  • embryogenesis
  • endometrium
  • implantation
  • in vitro fertilization (IFV)
  • ICSI
  • oocyte
  • pregnancy
  • seminal plasma
  • sperm

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 7986 KB  
Article
Zebrafish PRL-3 Regulates Yolk Syncytial Layer Integrity and Actomyosin Contractility During Epiboly
by Ting-Fang Wang, Kai-Wen Cheng, Yau-Hung Chen and Ming-Der Lin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(5), 2339; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052339 - 2 Mar 2026
Viewed by 528
Abstract
Zebrafish epiboly is a critical morphogenetic event driven by the precise coordination of microtubule-mediated pulling forces and actomyosin-dependent constriction. While the phosphatase PRL-3 is known to regulate cytoskeletal remodeling in cancer metastasis, its physiological function during early vertebrate embryogenesis remains undefined. Here, we [...] Read more.
Zebrafish epiboly is a critical morphogenetic event driven by the precise coordination of microtubule-mediated pulling forces and actomyosin-dependent constriction. While the phosphatase PRL-3 is known to regulate cytoskeletal remodeling in cancer metastasis, its physiological function during early vertebrate embryogenesis remains undefined. Here, we identify zfPRL-3 as an indispensable regulator of zebrafish epiboly. Morpholino-mediated depletion of zfPRL-3 resulted in severe developmental arrest, blastoderm destabilization, and mechanical rupture of the yolk cell. Time-lapse imaging revealed that zfPRL-3 morphants suffer from catastrophic structural failures, characterized by either blastoderm dispersion or excessive inward constriction. At the cellular level, we demonstrate that zfPRL-3 depletion disrupts the organization of the Yolk Syncytial Layer (YSL), evidenced by the irregular scattering of YSL nuclei—a hallmark of microtubule network collapse. Furthermore, zfPRL-3 morphants exhibit premature assembly of the contractile actomyosin ring at 60% epiboly, indicating a failure in the inhibitory mechanisms that normally restrain marginal constriction. We propose that zfPRL-3 functions as a molecular brake that couples YSL integrity with the timing of contractility. By maintaining microtubule stability and preventing premature actomyosin ring formation, zfPRL-3 ensures that the opposing physical forces driving epiboly are precisely balanced. Collectively, our findings define zfPRL-3 as a critical spatiotemporal regulator that orchestrates the successful progression of epiboly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embryonic Development and Differentiation: 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 2271 KB  
Article
Investigation of Phosphatidylcholine by MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry in Normal and IVF Early-Stage Embryos
by Stefánia Gitta, Éva Szabó, Alexandra Sulc, Péter Czétány, Gábor Máté, András Balló, Tímea Csabai, Árpád Szántó and László Márk
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7423; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137423 - 6 Jul 2024
Viewed by 2248
Abstract
The receptive phase of the uterus is marked by structural and functional maturation of the endometrium. During this limited time span, the blastocyst competency is superimposed on the receptive endometrium. It is a well-known fact that lipid signalling in early-stage pregnancy has a [...] Read more.
The receptive phase of the uterus is marked by structural and functional maturation of the endometrium. During this limited time span, the blastocyst competency is superimposed on the receptive endometrium. It is a well-known fact that lipid signalling in early-stage pregnancy has a crucial role in successful embryogenesis. In our study, CD-1 mouse uteri after normal and in vitro fertilization (IVF) were investigated at 6.5, 8.5, and 10.5 days of pregnancy. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight imaging mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry were used for identification of phosphatidylcholine (PC) lipid structures. In the embryonal tissues, PC 32:0 and PC 34:0 were increased, while in the antemesometrial (AM) decidua the two 20:4-containing PCs, PC 36:4 and PC 38:4 were increased. In transferred uterus samples, higher expressions of PC 34:0, PC 34:1, PC 34:2, PC 36:1, and PC 36:2 in mesometrial decidua were seen, whereas the two 20:4-containing PCs, PC 36:4 and PC 38:4 showed increased expression in the AM and lateral decidua. This paper shows a significant spatio-temporal change in lipid metabolism during IVF procedures for the first time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embryonic Development and Differentiation: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 4687 KB  
Article
Arginine Vasotocin Directly Regulates Spermatogenesis in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Testes
by Maya Zanardini, Weimin Zhang and Hamid R. Habibi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(12), 6564; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126564 - 14 Jun 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2367
Abstract
The neuropeptide vasopressin is known for its regulation of osmotic balance in mammals. Arginine vasotocin (AVT) is a non-mammalian homolog of this neuropeptide that is present in fish. Limited information suggested that vasopressin and its homologs may also influence reproductive function. In the [...] Read more.
The neuropeptide vasopressin is known for its regulation of osmotic balance in mammals. Arginine vasotocin (AVT) is a non-mammalian homolog of this neuropeptide that is present in fish. Limited information suggested that vasopressin and its homologs may also influence reproductive function. In the present study, we investigated the direct effect of AVT on spermatogenesis, using zebrafish as a model organism. Results demonstrate that AVT and its receptors (avpr1aa, avpr2aa, avpr1ab, avpr2ab, and avpr2l) are expressed in the zebrafish brain and testes. The direct action of AVT on spermatogenesis was investigated using an ex vivo culture of mature zebrafish testes for 7 days. Using histological, morphometric, and biochemical approaches, we observed direct actions of AVT on zebrafish testicular function. AVT treatment directly increased the number of spermatozoa in an androgen-dependent manner, while reducing mitotic cells and the proliferation activity of type B spermatogonia. The observed stimulatory action of AVT on spermiogenesis was blocked by flutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist. The present results support the novel hypothesis that AVT stimulates short-term androgen-dependent spermiogenesis. However, its prolonged presence may lead to diminished spermatogenesis by reducing the proliferation of spermatogonia B, resulting in a diminished turnover of spermatogonia, spermatids, and spermatozoa. The overall findings offer an insight into the physiological significance of vasopressin and its homologs in vertebrates as a contributing factor in the multifactorial regulation of male reproduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embryonic Development and Differentiation: 2nd Edition)
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Review

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24 pages, 4687 KB  
Review
How ATP-Dependent Chromatin Remodeling Complexes Regulate Vertebrate Embryonic Development
by Hejie Wang, Gulinigaer Anwaier, Shengbin Bai, Libin Liao, Yingdi Wang and Shuang Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 835; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020835 - 14 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1548
Abstract
ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes regulate gene expression by altering chromatin structure through ATP hydrolysis. They are classified into four families—SWI/SNF, ISWI, CHD, and INO80—which remodel chromatin via nucleosome sliding, eviction, assembly, and editing to control transcription. These complexes play critical roles in DNA [...] Read more.
ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes regulate gene expression by altering chromatin structure through ATP hydrolysis. They are classified into four families—SWI/SNF, ISWI, CHD, and INO80—which remodel chromatin via nucleosome sliding, eviction, assembly, and editing to control transcription. These complexes play critical roles in DNA repair, tumorigenesis, and organogenesis. Recent advances in low-input proteomics have highlighted their importance in vertebrate embryonic development. In mammals, they regulate embryonic genome activation, lineage specification, and stem cell fate determination. In non-mammalian models (e.g., Xenopus laevis), they function from blastocyst formation to pre-organogenesis stages (gastrulation and neurulation)—key windows for chromatin reprogramming and cell fate decisions. This review provides a systematic overview of chromatin remodeling complexes, detailing their classification and conserved mechanisms, and discusses their functions in early embryogenesis and embryonic stem cell maintenance. The collective evidence underscores the implications of these chromatin remodelers for understanding developmental defects and advancing regenerative medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embryonic Development and Differentiation: 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 1720 KB  
Review
Sperm-Derived Dysfunction of Human Embryos: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Resolution
by Jan Tesarik and Raquel Mendoza Tesarik
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(13), 6217; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26136217 - 27 Jun 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3777
Abstract
In addition to the male genome, the fertilizing spermatozoon delivers to the oocyte several factors whose deficiency can cause embryo dysfunction. Sperm oocyte-activating factor, identified as phoshoplipase C zeta (PLCζ), drives oocyte exit from meiotic arrest through a signaling pathway initiated by periodic [...] Read more.
In addition to the male genome, the fertilizing spermatozoon delivers to the oocyte several factors whose deficiency can cause embryo dysfunction. Sperm oocyte-activating factor, identified as phoshoplipase C zeta (PLCζ), drives oocyte exit from meiotic arrest through a signaling pathway initiated by periodic rises of free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration (calcium oscillations). Sperm centrioles, together with oocyte proteins, form centrosomes that are responsible for aster formation, pronuclear migration, and DNA polarization before nuclear syngamy and subsequent mitotic divisions. Sperm DNA fragmentation can be at the origin of aneuploidies, while epigenetic issues, mainly abnormal methylation of DNA-associated histones, cause asynchronies of zygotic gene activation among embryonic cells. Sperm long and short non-coding RNAs are important epigenetic regulators affecting critical developmental processes. Dysfunction of sperm PLCζ, centrioles, DNA, and RNA mostly converge to aneuploidy, developmental arrest, implantation failure, miscarriage, abortion, or offspring disease. With the exception of DNA fragmentation, the other sperm issues are more difficult to diagnose. Specific tests, including heterologous human intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) into animal oocytes, genetic testing for mutations in PLCZ1 (the gene coding for PLCζ in humans) and associated genes, and next-generation sequencing of sperm transcriptome, are currently available. Oral antioxidant treatment and in vitro selection of healthy spermatozoa can be used in cases of sperm DNA fragmentation, while ICSI with assisted oocyte activation is useful to overcome oocyte-activation defects. No clinically confirmed therapy is yet available for sperm RNA issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embryonic Development and Differentiation: 2nd Edition)
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