This research topic aims to gain novel insights from the experts in the field of stem cells and
reproduction that describe the role of stem cells such as reproductive tissue-derived stem cells, as
well as pluripotent stem cells that control the reproduction and fertility in the normal or
pathological conditions. This research topic will include original research and review articles
summarizing the current status, challenges, and emerging trends.
Stem cells are defined as undifferentiated cells that are capable of reproducing themselves and
differentiating into many different cell types. Many reports demonstrated that both human and
animal reproductive tissues represent a heterogeneous source of stem cells. Reproductive tissuederived stem cells such as primordial germ cells, spermatogonial stem cells, oogonium stem
cells, endometrial stem cells, umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells as well as stem cells in
different developmental stages of the embryos play an important role in reproduction and
fertility. Normal fertility requires the production of the gametes from the male (sperm) and
female (oocyte), successful transportation of sperm through male reproductive ducts to the
female oviducts, penetration of sperm to the oocyte resulting in zygote and embryo development,
and eventually implantation of the embryo in the endometrium of the uterus.
Not only fertility but stem cells are likely involved in the response of reproductive tissue injury
and disease. Reproductive tissue-derived stem cells give rise to cancers or endometriosis.
Understanding the fundamental role of stem cells in normal and pathological conditions may be
helpful in the development of therapeutic strategies. Interestingly, the current studies
demonstrated the impact of stem cells derived from other sources rather than reproductive tissue
such as bone marrow, adipose tissue can recapitulate the function of the ovary, endometrium,
and testis to the normal.
We are now beginning to understand the role of stem cells in reproduction, and several questions
remain. We aim to broaden the current knowledge specifically focusing on stem cell research
and therapy adopted in reproduction and fertility studies, using both in vitro and in vivo models
and clinical research outcomes. This research topic research is not limited to only humans. The
relevant animal models, companion animals, or livestock are also welcome.
We invite investigators to contribute original research and review articles in the topics that
include, but are not limited to:
• Derivation of stem cells from different sources such as pluripotent stem cells, tissue derived stem cells for reproduction, or fertility.
• The current or updated focal points of stem cell research in reproductive medicine.
• Strategies to improve fertility microenvironment.
• Genetic and epigenetics regulate the cell fate decisions during embryo or reproductive
tissue development as well as involve fertility.
• The fundamental knowledge on the molecular aspects of human reproduction, regarding
stem cells.
• Role of stem cells in reproductive disease or infertility.
• Current or future strategies in the reproductive therapeutic potential of stem cells.
• Experimental studies from the use of reproductive organoids to uncover the mechanism
of developmental biology or fertility.
• Stem cell therapy mechanisms and cell transplantation methods for reproduction and
fertility treatment.
This research topic aims to gain novel insights from the experts in the field of stem cells and
reproduction that describe the role of stem cells such as reproductive tissue-derived stem cells, as
well as pluripotent stem cells that control the reproduction and fertility in the normal or
pathological conditions. This research topic will include original research and review articles
summarizing the current status, challenges, and emerging trends.
Stem cells are defined as undifferentiated cells that are capable of reproducing themselves and
differentiating into many different cell types. Many reports demonstrated that both human and
animal reproductive tissues represent a heterogeneous source of stem cells. Reproductive tissuederived stem cells such as primordial germ cells, spermatogonial stem cells, oogonium stem
cells, endometrial stem cells, umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells as well as stem cells in
different developmental stages of the embryos play an important role in reproduction and
fertility. Normal fertility requires the production of the gametes from the male (sperm) and
female (oocyte), successful transportation of sperm through male reproductive ducts to the
female oviducts, penetration of sperm to the oocyte resulting in zygote and embryo development,
and eventually implantation of the embryo in the endometrium of the uterus.
Not only fertility but stem cells are likely involved in the response of reproductive tissue injury
and disease. Reproductive tissue-derived stem cells give rise to cancers or endometriosis.
Understanding the fundamental role of stem cells in normal and pathological conditions may be
helpful in the development of therapeutic strategies. Interestingly, the current studies
demonstrated the impact of stem cells derived from other sources rather than reproductive tissue
such as bone marrow, adipose tissue can recapitulate the function of the ovary, endometrium,
and testis to the normal.
We are now beginning to understand the role of stem cells in reproduction, and several questions
remain. We aim to broaden the current knowledge specifically focusing on stem cell research
and therapy adopted in reproduction and fertility studies, using both in vitro and in vivo models
and clinical research outcomes. This research topic research is not limited to only humans. The
relevant animal models, companion animals, or livestock are also welcome.
We invite investigators to contribute original research and review articles in the topics that
include, but are not limited to:
• Derivation of stem cells from different sources such as pluripotent stem cells, tissue derived stem cells for reproduction, or fertility.
• The current or updated focal points of stem cell research in reproductive medicine.
• Strategies to improve fertility microenvironment.
• Genetic and epigenetics regulate the cell fate decisions during embryo or reproductive
tissue development as well as involve fertility.
• The fundamental knowledge on the molecular aspects of human reproduction, regarding
stem cells.
• Role of stem cells in reproductive disease or infertility.
• Current or future strategies in the reproductive therapeutic potential of stem cells.
• Experimental studies from the use of reproductive organoids to uncover the mechanism
of developmental biology or fertility.
• Stem cell therapy mechanisms and cell transplantation methods for reproduction and
fertility treatment.
