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Molecular Biology and Hormonal Regulation in Reproductive Processes
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Molecular Biology and Hormonal Regulation in Reproductive Processes

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2025 | Viewed by 9270

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Martin Stimpfel

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: assisted reproduction; sperm; oocyte; embryo; ovary; testis; stem cells in reproduction; cryopreservation; blastocyst
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Helena Ban Frangež

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: spermatozoa; human reproduction; oocyte; embryo; stem cell

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Infertility affects people regardless of age and it has become a global health issue, since it is estimated that 6–7/10 couples have infertility problems. Lately, more and more efforts have been made to find new prognostic factors and more in-depth explanations why specific causes of infertility happen to some patients. With regards to prognosis, nowadays, it is mostly associated with semen quality, female hormone levels (FSH, AMH), antral follicle count, age and partially the diagnosed cause of infertility. With regards to an in-depth understanding of infertility, due to major recent improvements in the methods of molecular biology (e.g., genetics, epigenetics, analytics), many molecular mechanisms have been associated with infertility, even on the level of gametes and embryos. Based on such data, new therapeutic approaches to overcome infertility have been suggested. This Special Issue calls for research and review papers addressing the impact of molecular mechanisms in an effort to understand male and female infertility. Research and review papers on animal models are also highly welcome for submission.

Dr. Martin Stimpfel
Dr. Helena Ban Frangež
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • infertility
  • reproduction
  • embryos
  • genetics
  • epigenetics
  • signaling pathway
  • sperm
  • oocyte

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 3111 KiB  
Article
A Step Forward in Understanding the Expression of Classical Aquaporins in the Male Reproductive Tract: Study Findings in Cattle (Bos taurus)
by Patrycja Oberska, Marta Grabowska, Marta Marynowska, Maciej Murawski, Dariusz Gączarzewicz, Andrzej Syczewski and Katarzyna Michałek
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147653 - 12 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1142
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs), also known as water channels, appear to be particularly promising in maintaining male reproductive potential. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the presence of classical AQPs in the bovine (Bos taurus) reproductive system and analyze changes in their expression [...] Read more.
Aquaporins (AQPs), also known as water channels, appear to be particularly promising in maintaining male reproductive potential. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the presence of classical AQPs in the bovine (Bos taurus) reproductive system and analyze changes in their expression with age using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Of the six classical AQPs, AQP0, AQP1, AQP4, AQP5 and AQP6 were detected, while AQP2 was absent. In the testis, AQP0 was visible in Leydig cells in selected animals, while AQP1 was found in myoid cells surrounding the seminiferous tubules of mature individuals. This characteristic expression patterns of AQP0, limited only to certain bulls, is difficult to explain unequivocally. It is possible that AQP0 expression in cattle is subject to individual variability or changes in response to specific physiological conditions. In the caput and corpus epididymis, AQP0 showed weak expression in epithelial cells of immature animals and stronger expression in basal and principal cells of reproductive bulls. In all animals, AQP1 was present on the apical surface of epithelial cells in the initial segment of the caput epididymis. AQP4, AQP5 and AQP6 were identified in principal and basal cells along the entire epididymis of reproductive bulls. The abundance of AQP4 and AQP6 increased from the caput to the cauda epididymis with the growth and development of the animals. In all males, AQP4, AQP5 and AQP6 were observed in epithelial cells of the vas deferens, and their expression in this section increased with age. In conclusion, the abundance and distribution of the classical AQPs in various cell types and parts of the male reproductive system indicate their crucial role in maintaining water homeostasis, which is essential for normal reproductive function in cattle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biology and Hormonal Regulation in Reproductive Processes)
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16 pages, 4532 KiB  
Article
Unraveling the Significance of Nanog in the Generation of Embryonic Stem-like Cells from Spermatogonia Stem Cells: A Combined In Silico Analysis and In Vitro Experimental Approach
by Nima Ghasemi, Hossein Azizi and Thomas Skutella
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4833; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094833 - 29 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1670
Abstract
Embryonic stem-like cells (ES-like cells) are promising for medical research and clinical applications. Traditional methods involve “Yamanaka” transcription (OSKM) to derive these cells from somatic cells in vitro. Recently, a novel approach has emerged, obtaining ES-like cells from spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) in [...] Read more.
Embryonic stem-like cells (ES-like cells) are promising for medical research and clinical applications. Traditional methods involve “Yamanaka” transcription (OSKM) to derive these cells from somatic cells in vitro. Recently, a novel approach has emerged, obtaining ES-like cells from spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs) in a time-related process without adding artificial additives to cell cultures, like transcription factors or small molecules such as pten or p53 inhibitors. This study aims to investigate the role of the Nanog in the conversion of SSCs to pluripotent stem cells through both in silico analysis and in vitro experiments. We used bioinformatic methods and microarray data to find significant genes connected to this derivation path, to construct PPI networks, using enrichment analysis, and to construct miRNA-lncRNA networks, as well as in vitro experiments, immunostaining, and Fluidigm qPCR analysis to connect the dots of Nanog significance. We concluded that Nanog is one of the most crucial differentially expressed genes during SSC conversion, collaborating with critical regulators such as Sox2, Dazl, Pou5f1, Dnmt3, and Cdh1. This intricate protein network positions Nanog as a pivotal factor in pathway enrichment for generating ES-like cells, including Wnt signaling, focal adhesion, and PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling. Nanog expression is presumed to play a vital role in deriving ES-like cells from SSCs in vitro. Finding its pivotal role in this path illuminates future research and clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biology and Hormonal Regulation in Reproductive Processes)
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Review

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20 pages, 747 KiB  
Review
Biogenesis of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) and the Potential Use of Embryo-Derived EVs in Medically Assisted Reproduction
by Andreja Ovčar and Borut Kovačič
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26010042 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1117
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-bound particles released from cells that cannot replicate on their own, play a crucial role in intercellular communication, and are implicated in various physiological and pathological processes. Within the domain of embryo culture media research, extensive studies have [...] Read more.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-bound particles released from cells that cannot replicate on their own, play a crucial role in intercellular communication, and are implicated in various physiological and pathological processes. Within the domain of embryo culture media research, extensive studies have been conducted to evaluate embryo viability by analyzing spent culture medium. Advanced methodologies such as metabolomic profiling, proteomic and genomic analyses, transcriptomic profiling, non-coding RNA assessments, and oxidative status measurements have been employed to further understand the molecular characteristics of embryos and improve selection criteria for successful implantation. In the field of EVs, only a limited number of studies have been conducted on embryo-conditioned medium, indicating a significant gap in knowledge regarding the potential role of EVs in embryo development and implantation. Therefore, this review aims to evaluate current research findings on EVs enriched from animal and human embryo spent medium. By unraveling the potential link between embryo-derived EVs and embryo selection in clinical settings, such research might enhance embryo-selection methods in assisted reproductive technologies, eventually increasing the success rates of fertility treatments and advancing our understanding of mechanisms underlying successful embryo development and implantation in humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biology and Hormonal Regulation in Reproductive Processes)
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34 pages, 768 KiB  
Review
Molecular Mechanism of Resveratrol and Its Therapeutic Potential on Female Infertility
by Rebeka Podgrajsek, Helena Ban Frangez and Martin Stimpfel
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3613; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073613 - 23 Mar 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4461
Abstract
Resveratrol is a polyphenol present in various plant sources. Studies have reported numerous potential health benefits of resveratrol, exhibiting anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-carcinogenic activity. Due to the reported effects, resveratrol is also being tested in reproductive disorders, including female infertility. Numerous cellular, [...] Read more.
Resveratrol is a polyphenol present in various plant sources. Studies have reported numerous potential health benefits of resveratrol, exhibiting anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-carcinogenic activity. Due to the reported effects, resveratrol is also being tested in reproductive disorders, including female infertility. Numerous cellular, animal, and even human studies were performed with a focus on the effect of resveratrol on female infertility. In this review, we reviewed some of its molecular mechanisms of action and summarized animal and human studies regarding resveratrol and female infertility, with a focus on age-related infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biology and Hormonal Regulation in Reproductive Processes)
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