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Molecular Research in Reproductive Biology, 2nd Edition
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Molecular Research in Reproductive Biology, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2024 | Viewed by 2958

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Hoon Jang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
Interests: ovarian follicle development; spermatogenesis; uterus implantation; optogenetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The preservation of fertility is critical to maintaining successful pregnancies in both men and women, and the study of fertility is essential to enhance reproduction. Recently, infertility is increasing due to genetic or environmental factors that cause the abnormal development of reproductive organs or the death of germ cells. Therefore, it is crucial for drug development to identify the exact elements that cause the abnormal development of reproductive organs and toxicity, and to identify the associated molecular mechanisms. Additionally, researchers are currently in the process of developing biomedicine that actively uses microbiomes that coexist with humans on a molecular level; thus, research should focus on the relationship between intrauterine microbes and embryo implantation ability. Therefore, the study of molecular mechanisms in reproductive biology could provide better knowledge to overcome infertility associated with the protection and development of the reproductive system. For this Special Issue, we invite potential researchers working on revealing the causes of infertility and solving this problem by investigating the molecular biology of the development, differentiation, and toxicity of reproductive organs.

Dr. Hoon Jang
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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Current Issues in Molecular Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • reproductive biology
  • assisted reproductive technology
  • ovarian follicle development
  • spermatogenesis
  • infertility

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 13213 KiB  
Article
Combining RNAscope, Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Digital Image Analysis to Assess Podoplanin (PDPN) Protein and PDPN_mRNA Expression on Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Normal Human Placenta Tissues
by Larisa Cristina Tomescu, Andrei Alexandru Cosma, Mihaela Pasca Fenesan, Eugen Melnic, Vergil Petrovici, Simona Sarb, Monica Chis, Ioan Sas, Domenico Ribatti, Anca Maria Cimpean and Florica Ramona Dorobantu
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(6), 5161-5177; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46060310 - 24 May 2024
Viewed by 312
Abstract
The expression and function of podoplanin (PDPN) in the normal human placenta has been debated in placental evaluation. This study emphasizes the importance of a multimodal approach of PDPN expression in normal human placentas. A complete examination is performed using immunohistochemistry, RNAscope and [...] Read more.
The expression and function of podoplanin (PDPN) in the normal human placenta has been debated in placental evaluation. This study emphasizes the importance of a multimodal approach of PDPN expression in normal human placentas. A complete examination is performed using immunohistochemistry, RNAscope and automated Digital Image examination (DIA) interpretation. QuPath DIA-based analysis automatically generated the stromal and histological scores of PDPN expression for immunohistochemistry and RNAscope stains. The umbilical cord’s isolated fibroblasts and luminal structures expressed PDPN protein and PDPN_mRNA. RNAscope detected PDPN_mRNA upregulation in syncytial placental knots trophoblastic cells, but immunohistochemistry did not certify this at the protein level. The study found a significant correlation between the IHC and RNAscope H-Score (p = 0.033) and Allred Score (p = 0.05). A successful multimodal strategy for PDPN assessment in human placentas confirmed PDPN expression heterogeneity in the full-term human normal placenta and umbilical cord at the protein and mRNA level. In placental syncytial knots trophoblastic cells, PDPN showed mRNA overexpression, suggesting a potential role in placenta maturation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Reproductive Biology, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 3905 KiB  
Article
The GgcxK325Q Mutation Does Not Affect the Calcium Homeostasis of the Epididymis and Male Fertility in Mice
by Mingxiang Xiong, Pang Cheng, Bo Liu, Yanqiu Zhao, Ting Gao and Zhen Li
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(6), 5052-5065; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46060303 - 22 May 2024
Viewed by 337
Abstract
A low-calcium microenvironment is imperative for spermatozoa maturation within the epididymis. Our previous work has shown that γ-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX), the carboxylation enzyme of the matrix Gla protein (MGP), plays an essential role in epididymal calcium homeostasis and sperm maturation in rats and [...] Read more.
A low-calcium microenvironment is imperative for spermatozoa maturation within the epididymis. Our previous work has shown that γ-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX), the carboxylation enzyme of the matrix Gla protein (MGP), plays an essential role in epididymal calcium homeostasis and sperm maturation in rats and that the GGCX SNP mutation rs699664 was associated with asthenozoospermia (AZS) in humans. Here, we investigated the expression patterns of GGCX and MGP in the mouse epididymis and generated GgcxK325Q knock-in (KI) mice. We also tested the effects of this mutation on epididymal calcium homeostasis, sperm function, and male fertility in GgcxK325Q−/− mice. The results showed that both GGCX and MGP were enriched in all regions of the mouse epididymis, especially in the initial segment of the epididymis. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed that GGCX colocalized with MGP in the epithelial cells of the initial segment and caput regions as well as in the lumen of the corpus and cauda regions of the mouse epididymis. However, the GgcxK325Q−/− mice were fertile with normal epididymal morphology, sperm functions, and epididymal calcium concentration. Overall, our findings revealed that the GgcxK325Q mutation does not exert any discernible effect on male fertility in mice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Reproductive Biology, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 2785 KiB  
Article
Association between KRAS and PIK3CA Mutations and Progesterone Resistance in Endometriotic Epithelial Cell Line
by Kosuke Kanno, Kentaro Nakayama, Sultana Razia, Sohel Hasibul Islam, Zahan Umme Farzana, Shahataj Begum Sonia, Hitomi Yamashita, Masako Ishikawa, Tomoka Ishibashi, Kayo Imamura, Tohru Kiyono and Satoru Kyo
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(4), 3579-3594; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46040224 - 19 Apr 2024
Viewed by 678
Abstract
Although endometriosis is a benign disease, it is associated with cancer-related gene mutations, such as KRAS or PIK3CA. Endometriosis is associated with elevated levels of inflammatory factors that cause severe pain. In a previous study, we demonstrated that KRAS or PIK3CA mutations [...] Read more.
Although endometriosis is a benign disease, it is associated with cancer-related gene mutations, such as KRAS or PIK3CA. Endometriosis is associated with elevated levels of inflammatory factors that cause severe pain. In a previous study, we demonstrated that KRAS or PIK3CA mutations are associated with the activation of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in a patient-derived immortalized endometriotic cell line, HMOsisEC10. In this study, we investigated the effects of these mutations on progesterone resistance. Since the HMOsisEC10 had suppressed progesterone receptor (PR) expression, we transduced PR-B to HMOsisEc10 cell lines including KRAS mutant and PIK3CA mutant cell lines. We conducted a migration assay, invasion assay, and MTT assay using dienogest and medroxyprogestrone acetate. All cell lines showed progesterone sensitivity with or without mutations. Regarding inflammatory factors, real-time quantitative RT-PCR revealed that the KRAS mutation cell line exhibited no suppression of Cox-2 and mPGES-1 on progesterone treatment, whereas IL-6, MCP-1, VEGF, and CYP19A1 were significantly suppressed by progesterone in both mutated cell lines. Our results suggest that KRAS mutation and PIK3CA mutation in endometriotic cells may not be associated with progesterone resistance in terms of aggressiveness. However, KRAS mutations may be associated with progesterone resistance in the context of pain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Reproductive Biology, 2nd Edition)
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10 pages, 1591 KiB  
Communication
Frequency of Gene Polymorphisms in Admixed Venezuelan Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Microsomal Epoxy Hydroxylase (rs1051740) and Enos (rs1799983)
by María Johanna Peña, Claudia Valentina De Sanctis, Juan Bautista De Sanctis and Jenny Valentina Garmendia
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(4), 3460-3469; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46040217 - 17 Apr 2024
Viewed by 674
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects around 2% of women of reproductive age. Primary RPL is defined by ≥2 pregnancy losses and no normal birth delivery. In secondary RPL, the losses are after a normal pregnancy and delivery. Most cases have no clear aetiology, [...] Read more.
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects around 2% of women of reproductive age. Primary RPL is defined by ≥2 pregnancy losses and no normal birth delivery. In secondary RPL, the losses are after a normal pregnancy and delivery. Most cases have no clear aetiology, although primary cases are the most complex. Several gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with RPL. The frequency of some SNPs is increased in women suffering from RLP from Asian or Caucasian races; however, in admixed populations, the information on possible genetic links is scarce and contradictory. This study aimed to assess the frequency of two SNPs present in two different enzymes involved in medical conditions observed during pregnancy. It is a case–control study. Microsomal epoxy hydrolase (mEPH) is involved in detoxifying xenobiotics, is present in the ovaries, and is hormonally regulated. The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) that forms nitric is involved in vascular tone. Two SNPs, rs1051740 (mEPH) and rs1799983 (NOS3), were assessed. The study included 50 controls and 63 primary RPL patients. The frequency of mutated alleles in both SNPs was significantly higher in patients (p < 0.05). Double-mutated homozygotes were encountered only in RPL patients (p < 0.05). Genetic polymorphisms rs1051740 and rs1799983 may be involved in primary RPL in the Venezuelan admix population. Genetic studies could provide crucial information on the aetiology of primary RPL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Reproductive Biology, 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 85340 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Ovarian Cell Characteristics and Molecular Mechanism of Prolificacy in Goats via Single-Nucleus Transcriptomics Data Analysis
by Sanbao Zhang, Yirong Wei, Xiaotong Gao, Ying Song, Yanna Huang and Qinyang Jiang
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(3), 2301-2319; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46030147 - 11 Mar 2024
Viewed by 649
Abstract
Increases in litter size, which are influenced by ovulation, are responsible for between 74% and 96% of the economic value of genetic progress, which influences selection. For the selection and breeding of highly prolific goats, genetic mechanisms underlying variations in litter size should [...] Read more.
Increases in litter size, which are influenced by ovulation, are responsible for between 74% and 96% of the economic value of genetic progress, which influences selection. For the selection and breeding of highly prolific goats, genetic mechanisms underlying variations in litter size should be elucidated. Here, we used single-nucleus RNA sequencing to analyze 44,605 single nuclei from the ovaries of polytocous and monotocous goats during the follicular phase. Utilizing known reference marker genes, we identified 10 ovarian cell types characterized by distinct gene expression profiles, transcription factor networks, and reciprocal interaction signatures. An in-depth analysis of the granulosa cells revealed three subtypes exhibiting distinct gene expression patterns and dynamic regulatory mechanisms. Further investigation of cell-type-specific prolificacy-associated transcriptional changes elucidated that “downregulation of apoptosis”, “increased anabolism”, and “upstream responsiveness to hormonal stimulation” are associated with prolificacy. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the cell-type-specific mechanisms and regulatory networks in the goat ovary, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying goat prolificacy. These findings establish a vital foundation for furthering understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing folliculogenesis and for improving the litter size in goats via molecular design breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Reproductive Biology, 2nd Edition)
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