International Journal of Molecular Sciences

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Dr. Martin Stimpfel

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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

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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

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 4532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

Viewed by 333

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 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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31 pages, 768 KiB

Open AccessReview

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

Viewed by 967

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, 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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