Marine Bioactive Compounds Acting on Animal Reproduction

Dear Colleagues,

Reproduction is a step by step process that starts at the production of gametes (gametogenesis), proceeds with their activation and interaction (fertilization) and virtually ends when full embryo development leads to the formation of a new adult individual. Electrical, morphological and biochemical modifications occurring through all the steps of the reproductive process involve ion channels activity, calcium release and oscillations, molecules, metabolites and messengers of different natures. Although it is known that marine-derived bioactive substances act on a series of biological processes, little is known on marine drugs affecting specific reproductive molecular dynamics. On the contrary, many information are available on marine natural products whose target molecules play a key role in the main steps of gametogenesis, fertilization and embryo development. The aim of this special issue is to report respectively i) the recognized impact of marine drugs of different origin on the reproductive process in animals; ii) their potential but unexplored role on the molecular mechanisms involved in the animal reproduction.

Elisabetta Tosti, Ph. D.
Guest Editor