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Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of Reproduction

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 July 2024 | Viewed by 404

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
Interests: reproduction; gametogenesis; development; polyploidy; gynogenesis; hybridization; gene expression

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
Interests: reproduction; gene expression; programmed cell death; polyploidization; flow cytometry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Reproduction is fundamental to the continuity of life. Reproductive processes are regulated at both genetic and epigenetic levels. Numerous studies have contributed to our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the genetic and epigenetic aspects of both natural and assisted/controlled reproduction. The definition of epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene function and, thus, phenotypes that are not caused by genetic changes. Unlike the genome, the epigenome is highly dynamic and is able to modulate genome function under the influence of exogenous factors. This Special Issue endeavors to underscore the pivotal roles played by genetic and epigenetic factors in processes such as gametogenesis, fertilization, and embryonic development, as well as the genetics of infertility. We invite original research as well as review manuscripts discussing gene expression regulation, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA involvement in reproductive events. Join us in disseminating groundbreaking discoveries and fostering a comprehensive discourse on the latest advancements in reproductive biology.

Dr. Dorota Juchno
Dr. Olga Jablonska
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • gene expression
  • gene mapping
  • germ cells
  • epigenetic factors
  • DNA methylation
  • histone modification
  • fertility
  • molecular diagnostics
  • next generation sequencing
  • prenatal diagnosis

Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 2396 KiB  
Article
Endometrial Proliferative Phase-Centered View of Transcriptome Dynamics across the Menstrual Cycle
by Apostol Apostolov, Mladen Naydenov, Aive Kalinina, Maria Nikolova, Merli Saare, Elina Aleksejeva, Nadezhda Milova, Antoan Milov, Andres Salumets, Vesselin Baev and Galina Yahubyan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5320; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105320 - 13 May 2024
Viewed by 206
Abstract
The endometrium, the inner mucosal lining of the uterus, undergoes complex molecular and cellular changes across the menstrual cycle in preparation for embryo implantation. Transcriptome-wide analyses have mainly been utilized to study endometrial receptivity, the prerequisite for successful implantation, with most studies, so [...] Read more.
The endometrium, the inner mucosal lining of the uterus, undergoes complex molecular and cellular changes across the menstrual cycle in preparation for embryo implantation. Transcriptome-wide analyses have mainly been utilized to study endometrial receptivity, the prerequisite for successful implantation, with most studies, so far, comparing the endometrial transcriptomes between (i) secretory and proliferative endometrium or (ii) mid-secretory and early secretory endometrium. In the current study, we provide a complete transcriptome description of the endometrium across the entire menstrual cycle and, for the first time, comprehensively characterize the proliferative phase of the endometrium. Our temporal transcriptome analysis includes five time points including the mid-proliferative, late proliferative (peri-ovulatory phase), early secretory, mid-secretory, and late secretory phases. Thus, we unveil exhaustively the transitions between the consecutive proliferative and secretory phases, highlighting their unique gene expression profiles and possible distinct biological functions. The transcriptome analysis reveals many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across the menstrual cycle, most of which are phase-specific. As an example of coordinated gene activity, the expression profile of histone-encoding genes within the HIST cluster on chromosome 6 shows an increase in cluster activity during the late proliferative and a decline during the mid-secretory phase. Moreover, numerous DEGs are shared among all phases. In conclusion, in the current study, we delineate the endometrial proliferative phase-centered view of transcriptome dynamics across the menstrual cycle. Our data analysis highlights significant transcriptomic and functional changes occurring during the late proliferative phase—an essential transition point from the proliferative phase to the secretory phase. Future studies should explore how the biology of the late proliferative phase endometrium impacts the achievement of mid-secretory endometrial receptivity or contributes to molecular aberrations leading to embryo implantation failure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of Reproduction)
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