Unlocking Fertility: Advances in Fertilization Research and Innovations in Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Fertilization is a pivotal event in the realm of reproductive biology, forming the cornerstone of new life with unique genetic signatures. While this process presents variations across species, core elements such as gamete maturation, sperm capacitation, fusion, and egg activation remain consistent. Understanding these elements is not only crucial for decoding reproductive biology but also holds immense promise for advancing assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF).

As infertility emerges as a critical global health challenge, insights into the molecular mechanisms of fertilization can significantly enhance IVF and other ART modalities. By translating biological research into clinical applications, we can optimize fertility treatments and pioneer cutting-edge diagnostics. Furthermore, these insights might pave the way for breakthroughs in cryopreservation techniques for eggs and sperm, ensuring better preservation and viability.

This Research Topic seeks to capture groundbreaking studies and novel perspectives that bridge fertilization research with advancements in ART. We aim to illuminate the processes influencing gamete growth and maturity, the intricacies of fertilization mechanisms, and how these elements inform and enhance ART practices. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and leveraging emerging technologies, this collection aspires to address fertility challenges and reveal novel therapeutic opportunities.

We welcome submissions from all research domains, particularly those that are paving the way for innovative assisted reproduction techniques and fertility solutions. We welcome original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives on themes such as:

• Preparations and readiness for fertilization
• Dynamics of sperm-egg interactions and the fertilization process.
• Infertility treatments and contraceptive technologies
• Cryopreservation strategies and gamete viability improvements
• The role of non-mammalian models in enhancing fertilization research
• Long-term impacts of ART on genetic and epigenetic profiles

Article types and fees

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

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• 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
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Sperm, Capacitation, Oocytes, Eggs, Fertilization, Motility, Oogenesis, Spermatogenesis, Egg activation, Sperm-egg interactions, Ageing, Infertility, Assisted Reproduction, Contraception

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.