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Molecular Advances in Assisted Reproductive Technologies

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: 25 December 2026 | Viewed by 3023

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University Hospitals Fertility Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Interests: preimplantation genetic testing; embryo selection; in vitro fertilization; infertility; implantation failure; miscarriage; mosaicism; segmental aneuploidy; non-invasive technology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since the birth of the first IVF baby in 1978, assisted reproductive technology (ART) has made tremendous strides, transforming the landscape of reproductive medicine. Key innovations in reproductive biology, including a better understanding of gametogenesis, fertilization, and embryo development, have led to more efficient and successful ART procedures. Techniques such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) enable the selection of genetically healthy embryos, which reduces the risk of genetic disorders, miscarriage, and enhances live birth rates. Furthermore, advancements in molecular diagnostics have greatly improved the diagnosis and treatment of reproductive diseases like endometriosis, premature ovarian failure, and preeclampsia. These molecular breakthroughs continue to shape and refine ART, offering new hope for individuals facing infertility and improving reproductive health outcomes. This Special Issue aims to explore various aspects of these molecular advancements in ART, using both human and animal models to deepen our understanding of these complex biological processes.

Dr. Sung Tae Kim
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • preimplantation genetic testing
  • embryo selection
  • in vitro fertilization
  • infertility
  • implantation failure
  • miscarriage
  • mosaicism
  • segmental aneuploidy
  • non-invasive technology
  • morpho kinetics
  • in vitro gametogenesis
  • in vitro oocyte maturation
  • reproductive tissue cryopreservation
  • artificial intelligence (AI)

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

19 pages, 1534 KB  
Review
Dynamic Remodeling of the Zona Pellucida: Implications for Oocyte Competence and Assisted Reproduction
by Daniel de la Fuente, Michela Prestianni, Paula Navarrete-López, Cristina García-Merino, Miriam Balastegui-Alarcón, Pilar Soria, Manuel Avilés, Dimitrios Rizos and Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 11108; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211108 - 17 Nov 2025
Viewed by 2377
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is a glycoprotein-rich extracellular matrix essential for fertilization, early embryonic development, and implantation. Beyond its core functions, the ZP undergoes dynamic remodeling during oocyte maturation, involving regulated synthesis, assembly, and conformational changes. This complex and tightly controlled process ensures [...] Read more.
The zona pellucida (ZP) is a glycoprotein-rich extracellular matrix essential for fertilization, early embryonic development, and implantation. Beyond its core functions, the ZP undergoes dynamic remodeling during oocyte maturation, involving regulated synthesis, assembly, and conformational changes. This complex and tightly controlled process ensures the biomechanical integrity of the oocyte, providing both protection and selective permeability essential for reproductive success. Oviductal glycoprotein 1 (OVGP1; oviductin) integrates into the ZP, modulating pore size, glycan composition, and structural homogeneity. This glycoprotein establishes a species-specific barrier that prevents polyspermy and fine-tunes sperm–oocyte interactions. Recent evidence suggests that OVGP1 not only contributes to ZP stabilization but also influences sperm capacitation, acrosome reaction, and early zygotic signaling, thereby linking oviductal physiology to gamete compatibility. Exploiting ZP remodeling in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) offers new opportunities to enhance fertilization efficiency, embryo quality, and implantation success, including through assisted hatching or modulating ZP properties to overcome fertility limitations. Moreover, advances in proteomic and glycomic profiling of the ZP are enabling the identification of novel biomarkers of oocyte competence and reproductive potential. These advances provide critical insights into species-specific reproductive mechanisms and pave the way for improved ART protocols and fertility preservation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Assisted Reproductive Technologies)
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