Molecular Insights: Transitioning Fertility Research from the Laboratory to Clinical Practice
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2025) | Viewed by 8019
Special Issue Editor
Interests: eeproductive medicine; early pregnancy; assisted reproduction techniques; recurrent implantation failure; gynecological ultrasound; infertility
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples globally and constitutes a major stressing factor for couples seeking to conceive. Advancements in molecular biology have significantly enhanced our understanding of human fertility and transformed the landscape of fertility treatment. More analytically, recent research contributes to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms contributing to gene expression, protein expression, oogenesis, spermatogenesis, oocyte maturation, fertilization, implantation, and, ultimately, ongoing pregnancy. Apart from understanding the mechanisms, various treatments, supplements, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals used every day further modulate or dysregulate these processes. Reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress can result in precipitous pathologies affecting male and female reproduction, leading to decreased oocyte quality, abnormal motility and morphology of spermatozoa, decreased fertilization rates, and decreased pregnancy rates. However, despite the remarkable progress made in laboratory settings, the transition of these innovations into clinical practice presents a myriad of challenges.
One primary challenge in the transition from the lab to the clinic is the implementation of these novel findings in the complex and multivariate scope of human reproduction. This Special Issue aims to outline a framework for transitioning molecular insights in fertility research into practical strategies that can benefit individuals facing reproductive challenges by improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and patient outcomes in fertility management. With this scope, the primary objectives of this Special Issue include the following:
- Identification of barriers in the implementation of novel techniques.
- Targeted therapies or implementations that improve and personalize fertility treatments.
- Novel molecular techniques focusing on the improvement of patients’ care.
- Understanding the molecular pathways of supplements or endocrine-disrupting chemicals that impact gametogenesis, oxidative stress, and reproductive outcomes.
- Gene expression or protein expression associated with the understanding or treatment of male and female infertility.
- Molecular basis of adverse pregnancy outcomes after ART.
This Special Issue is supervised by Prof. Dr. Ekaterini Domali and assisted by Dr. Sofoklis Stavros and Dr. Anastasios Potiris (Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens). Ultimately, this Special Issue seeks to create a structured pathway that not only enhances scientific understanding but also translates into tangible benefits for patients. This approach not only aims to increase access to innovative treatments but also to ensure that all patients receive the highest standard of care in their fertility journeys.
Prof. Dr. Ekaterini Domali
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- IVF/ICSI
- male infertility
- female infertility
- fertility outcomes
- endocrine disruptors
- oxidative and reductive stress
- molecular biology
- biomarkers
- proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics
- cell lines
- early pregnancy
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