Molecular Perspectives into Ovarian Function and Aging
A Special Issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067) belonging to the section "Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2027 | Viewed by 11
Editor
Interests: in vitro follicle development and oocyte maturation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The ovary provides an environment that supports the development of competent oocytes. This competence is gradually acquired through the accumulation of RNA molecules and proteins in the oocytes that will be used during fertilization and early embryonic development. Ovarian aging is characterized by a decrease in the quantity and quality of oocytes, which ultimately leads to exhaustion of the ovarian follicular reserve. Age-related changes in the intraovarian microenvironment include decreased antioxidant capacity, increased inflammatory cytokines, mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere shortening, genomic instability, impaired DNA repair, dysregulated lipid and glucose metabolism. These changes consequently induce oocyte and granulosa cell impairment. Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, play a significant role in regulating gene expression related to ovarian aging. Disruption of several key signaling pathways, such as the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, accelerates follicular loss and diminishes oocyte quality. Several potential interventions and therapeutic approaches are being explored to target ovarian aging. Lifestyle and nutritional interventions, such as calorie restriction and exercise, have been found to benefit ovarian function by reducing oxidative stress and modulating key metabolic pathways. Pharmacological interventions, such as resveratrol and melatonin, have benefits conferred through improved mitochondrial function and reduced inflammation. Additionally, regenerative medicine approaches, including stem cell therapy and ovarian tissue transplantation, are being explored to regenerate the ovarian reserve and extend the reproductive lifespan. The emerging field of nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery also offers new opportunities for targeted, effective intervention in aging pathways.
For this Special Issue, we invite you to submit research or review articles on ovarian function, aging, and the mechanisms that regulate these processes. We encourage researchers to share their recent findings, particularly focusing on the following areas:
- Relationship of the ovarian environment to follicle growth and atresia;
- Signaling pathways that control follicle growth and oocyte maturation;
- Oxidative stress and its role in ovarian aging;
- Glucose and lipid metabolism and their role in ovarian aging;
- Epigenetic changes and their role in regulating gene expression related to ovarian aging;
- Regenerative medicine approaches to extend the reproductive lifespan;
- The use of nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery for targeted intervention in aging pathways.
Dr. Josè Roberto Viana Silva
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
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Keywords
- oocyte
- oxidative stress
- epigenetics
- intraovarian microenvironment
- regenerative medicine
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