A myriad of locally produced factors influencing the microenvironment of the reproductive tract is regulated through an interactive embryonic-maternal crosstalk. This intercellular communication is known to be regulated and influenced by autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signaling pathways. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as playing a significant role in regulating and facilitating this dialogue. EVs, including exosomes and microvesicles, are membrane-enveloped particles secreted by cells to the surrounding microenvironment and body fluids, and contain proteins, messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA, and DNA cargoes. Accumulating evidence suggests that EVs are secreted from reproductive cells including oviduct epithelium, placenta, endometrium, embryonic, and ovarian follicular cells, and have pleiotropic effects on both the embryonic and maternal environments. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating this crosstalk will lead to the development of new regulating agents, with novel diagnostic, biological, and therapeutic potential for either supporting or hindering normal reproductive functions.
The scope of this Research Topic in Frontiers in Veterinary Science includes, but is not limited to, articles covering the following:
- Characterization, contents, and functional roles of EVs in female and male reproductive tissues and biofluids
- Biogenesis and mechanisms of intercellular communication mediated by EVs
- Determination of EVs related biomarkers from biofluids in association with reproductive performance
We would like to welcome researchers and experts in this field to contribute with Original Research, Research Report and/or Review articles that could fit within the scope of this Research Topic.
Dr. Saadeldin holds a patent for transgenic bovine cloned embryos. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
A myriad of locally produced factors influencing the microenvironment of the reproductive tract is regulated through an interactive embryonic-maternal crosstalk. This intercellular communication is known to be regulated and influenced by autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signaling pathways. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as playing a significant role in regulating and facilitating this dialogue. EVs, including exosomes and microvesicles, are membrane-enveloped particles secreted by cells to the surrounding microenvironment and body fluids, and contain proteins, messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA, and DNA cargoes. Accumulating evidence suggests that EVs are secreted from reproductive cells including oviduct epithelium, placenta, endometrium, embryonic, and ovarian follicular cells, and have pleiotropic effects on both the embryonic and maternal environments. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating this crosstalk will lead to the development of new regulating agents, with novel diagnostic, biological, and therapeutic potential for either supporting or hindering normal reproductive functions.
The scope of this Research Topic in Frontiers in Veterinary Science includes, but is not limited to, articles covering the following:
- Characterization, contents, and functional roles of EVs in female and male reproductive tissues and biofluids
- Biogenesis and mechanisms of intercellular communication mediated by EVs
- Determination of EVs related biomarkers from biofluids in association with reproductive performance
We would like to welcome researchers and experts in this field to contribute with Original Research, Research Report and/or Review articles that could fit within the scope of this Research Topic.
Dr. Saadeldin holds a patent for transgenic bovine cloned embryos. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.