About this Research Topic
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are recognized as essential mediators of cell-to-cell communication, carrying diverse molecular cargo, including proteins, lipids, RNA, and DNA. EVs play fundamental roles in regulating physiological and pathological processes across biological systems by influencing cellular behavior, function, and fate. In reproductive biology, EVs have emerged as key modulators of critical events such as gamete maturation, fertilization, embryo development, and implantation. Through these roles, EVs contribute to the establishment and progression of pregnancy, and their cargo composition often mirrors the physiological state of their cells of origin, providing potential biomarkers for reproductive health and disease.
The goal of this Research Topic is to address the need for a deeper understanding of EV-mediated communication within reproductive processes. Research has increasingly demonstrated that EVs facilitate critical interactions in the reproductive tract, including signaling between cumulus cells and oocytes, cross-talk among cells within the ovarian follicle, and communication between embryos and the maternal environment within the uterus. These EV-driven processes are crucial for gametogenesis, early embryo development, and successful pregnancy outcomes. This Research Topic aims to highlight the latest findings and methodologies in EV research as it pertains to reproduction, thereby advancing our knowledge of EV functions and exploring their potential for therapeutic applications in reproductive medicine.
This Research Topic invites contributions that explore diverse aspects of EV biology in reproduction. Key areas of interest include:
• Mechanisms of EV biogenesis, release, and uptake in reproductive tissues
• The role of EVs in ovarian follicle development, oocyte maturation, and sperm-egg interactions
• Influence of EVs on early embryo development and embryo-maternal communication
• Diagnostic and therapeutic applications of EVs in reproductive medicine
• Omics-based profiling of EVs (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) to elucidate their roles in reproductive success
We welcome original research articles, reviews, and commentaries from researchers in fields such as reproductive biology, cellular and molecular biology, and clinical sciences. By compiling current and emerging insights, this Research Topic seeks to bridge gaps in EV knowledge, fostering translational applications that can advance fertility treatments and improve reproductive health.
The goal of this Research Topic is to address the need for a deeper understanding of EV-mediated communication within reproductive processes. Research has increasingly demonstrated that EVs facilitate critical interactions in the reproductive tract, including signaling between cumulus cells and oocytes, cross-talk among cells within the ovarian follicle, and communication between embryos and the maternal environment within the uterus. These EV-driven processes are crucial for gametogenesis, early embryo development, and successful pregnancy outcomes. This Research Topic aims to highlight the latest findings and methodologies in EV research as it pertains to reproduction, thereby advancing our knowledge of EV functions and exploring their potential for therapeutic applications in reproductive medicine.
This Research Topic invites contributions that explore diverse aspects of EV biology in reproduction. Key areas of interest include:
• Mechanisms of EV biogenesis, release, and uptake in reproductive tissues
• The role of EVs in ovarian follicle development, oocyte maturation, and sperm-egg interactions
• Influence of EVs on early embryo development and embryo-maternal communication
• Diagnostic and therapeutic applications of EVs in reproductive medicine
• Omics-based profiling of EVs (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) to elucidate their roles in reproductive success
We welcome original research articles, reviews, and commentaries from researchers in fields such as reproductive biology, cellular and molecular biology, and clinical sciences. By compiling current and emerging insights, this Research Topic seeks to bridge gaps in EV knowledge, fostering translational applications that can advance fertility treatments and improve reproductive health.
Keywords: Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), Cell-to-Cell Communication, Oocyte Maturation, Embryo Development, Reproductive Biology, Cumulus Cells, Ovarian Follicle Development, Embryo-Maternal Communication, Omics Profiling, EVs Cargo, EVs Biogenesis and Uptake
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
