Embryo-Maternal Communication: Uncovering Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms

Reproductive biology continues to evolve, primarily fueled by advances in our understanding of embryo-maternal communication. This crucial interaction is fundamental for the successful development of embryos and the maintenance of pregnancy. It relies on complex exchanges involving biomolecules and extracellular vesicles. Despite significant progress, the subtleties of these communications remain only partially understood. This lack of detailed insight hampers further advancements in reproductive technologies and conservation strategies for endangered species, making it a critical area of study.

This Research Topic aims to shed light on the sophisticated molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin communications between the embryo and its mother. The focus will be to explore how biomolecules and extracellular vesicles contribute to these interactions, examine immune changes in the maternal reproductive system initiated by the embryo, and investigate the communication processes among embryos in multiparous animals.
The scope of this research topic is directed toward unraveling the complexities of embryo-maternal interactions across a variety of species. We encourage contributions that explore:
The roles and functions of biomolecules in embryo-maternal dialogues
How extracellular vesicles facilitate these critical interactions
Mechanistic insights into embryo-maternal communication
Immune system modulation in response to embryonic signals within the female reproductive tract
Inter-embryonic communication mechanisms in multiparous pregnancies
Cross-species analyses of embryo-maternal communication patterns
By compiling a diverse collection of research, from empirical studies to review articles, this issue aims to create a rich compendium of knowledge that spans domestic, laboratory, and wild species, thereby enhancing our understanding of reproductive biology's fundamental processes.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Reproductive Biology, Embryo-Maternal Communication, Biomolecules, Extracellular Vesicles, Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), Immune Modulation, Female Genital Tract, Multiparous Pregnancies, Inter-Species Communication, Wildlife Conservation

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.