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Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
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Reproduction, Fertility and Development

Reproduction, Fertility and Development

Reproduction, Fertility and Development publishes research and reviews on all aspects of vertebrate reproduction and developmental biology. Read more about the journalMore

Editors-in-Chief: Graeme Martin and Jenny Juengel

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Reproduction, Fertility and Development is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 19 December 2024

RD24132Maternal swimming with overload allied to postnatal high-fat, high-sugar diet induce subtle impairment on rat offspring’s ovarian redox homeostasis

Bárbara Mariño Dal Magro, Bernardo Gindri dos Santos, Pauline Maciel August, Manuela Zeferino Menegotto, David Driemeier and Cristiane Matté 0000-0002-4720-6394
 

A scheme depicting experimental design - maternal swimming (left), diet (center), assessment of ovarian aging (right)

This study explores how a mother’s physical activity and diet during pregnancy can shape the long-term health of her offspring, using a rat model. We found that swimming during pregnancy helped protect against weight gain in the offspring, but when combined with a high-fat, high-sugar diet after birth, it disrupted important antioxidant defenses in the offspring’s ovaries. These findings highlight the complex impact of maternal habits on the future health of the next generation. Image by Cristiane Matté using BioRender.

RD24132 Abstract  | PDF (3.7 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 17 December 2024

RD24131Identifying the composition of large vesicles in the cytoplasm of oocytes

Karen L. Reader 0000-0002-5253-0666, Isabella G. Pratt, Georgia L. Lawson and Robert J. Woolley
 

Electron microscope image of sheep oocyte vesicles and lipid droplets.

Poor egg (oocyte) quality is a leading cause of reduced fertility in humans and animals. Large vesicles within oocytes appear to be important for oocyte quality in animals but their composition is unknown. Our study has identified that these vesicles, which appear empty in electron micrographs, contain lipid that differs to that contained in classical lipid droplets. This knowledge may be used to improve in vitro maturation media to enhance oocyte quality. Image by K L Reader.

This article belongs to the collection: The biology of the ovary – Honouring the contributions of Ken P McNatty and Rex J Scaramuzzi.

RD24131 Abstract  |  RD24131 Full Text  | RD24131PDF (5.3 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 December 2024

RD24086A corollary study to substantiate the therapeutic role of receptor from Shigella flexneri in mitigating the sperm immobilization factor-mediated negative influences on mouse spermatozoa: a molecular mimicry-based approach

Thomson Soni, Ishwerpreet Kaur Jawanda, Seema Kumari and Vijay Prabha 0009-0001-8863-1071
 

Diagram showing how SF-SBR counteracts the effects of SIF on spermatozoa.

Bacteria and human spermatozoa share similar surface proteins. This unexpected connection could be key to understanding certain types of unexplained infertility. This study found that a bacterial protein, sperm immobilization factor (SIF), can damage spermatozoa by binding to it. This protein also binds to the bacteria Shigella flexneri. By isolating the SIF binding receptor from Shigella flexneri, this study opens new avenues for treating infertility, offering hope for many affected couples. Diagram by Thomson Soni and Vijay Prabha.

RD24086 Abstract  | PDF (1.8 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 16 December 2024

RD24158A tale of two endothelins: the rise and fall of the corpus luteum

Magdalena Szymanska, Raghavendra Basavaraja and Rina Meidan 0000-0002-6727-6787
 

Diagram showing the role of EDN1 and EDN2 in CL formation, regression and maintenance.

Understanding the intricate dance of hormones in the ovaries is crucial for women’s health and fertility. This review highlights the roles of two short peptides, endothelin-1 and endothelin-2, which govern the life cycle of the corpus luteum – a key gland for maintaining pregnancy. Our findings reveal that while endothelin-2 promotes the formation of this gland, endothelin-1 triggers its demise, together shedding light on the control and regulation of the reproductive cycle and potential treatments for reproductive disorders. Diagram by Magdalena Szymanska, Raghavendra Basavaraja and Rina Meidan.

RD24158 Abstract  | PDF (818 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 13 December 2024

RD24135The role of gene editing, organoids, and in vitro phenotyping in sustainable animal production

Bethany K. Redel 0000-0002-6444-9064, Eun Su Jeon, Cari C. Green and Randall S. Prather
 

Image of pig intestinal organoid stained with markers to identify specific cell types for small intestine function.

Identifying methods to improve animal health, production, and resilience is critical to create a sustainable food supply to meet global nutritional demand. Recent advancements in gene editing tools, cell culture methods, and in vitro phenotyping can accelerate the identification of variants or novel alleles that are transformative for livestock health and resilience. The use of organoids and gene editing can provide a model to link the genome to the phenome and decrease the number of animals needed for research. Image by Eun Su Jeon and the University of Missouri Molecular Cytology Core.

This article belongs to the Collection: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025.

RD24135 Abstract  |  RD24135 Full Text  | RD24135PDF (1.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 December 2024

RD24138Current status of embryo models created from pluripotent stem cells

Maria Carolina Zimara, Toshihiko Ezashi and Ye Yuan 0000-0002-9995-2209
 

Image of human blastoids.

Advancements in stem cell and developmental biology have propelled the generation of stem-cell-derived tools that mirror early mammalian development. These fascinating structures, exemplified by the human blastoids shown here that mimic blastocyst formation, have offered unparalleled opportunities to unveil the mysteries of life’s genesis and explore limitless potential applications beyond our imaginations. Image sourced from Yu et al. (2023) with permission (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2023.08.002).

This article belongs to the Collection: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025.

RD24138 Abstract  |  RD24138 Full Text  | RD24138PDF (4.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 December 2024

RD24139Morphokinetic prediction of embryo viability in cattle

Satoshi Sugimura, Tatsuma Yao, Satoko Matoba, Kazuo Yamagata and Kei Imai
 

Prediction of bovine IVP embryo viability based on morphokinetic analysis

Conventionally, the quality of bovine IVP embryos is evaluated around day 7–8, and the process is subjective and operator-dependent. A new approach using time-lapse monitoring in specialized culture dishes improves accuracy by continuously tracking individual embryo development. When predicting embryo viability, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of early cleavage stage morphokinetics rather than relying on morphological evaluation based on blastocyst snapshots at the time of transfer. Image by Satoshi Sugimura.

This article belongs to the Collection: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025.

RD24139 Abstract  |  RD24139 Full Text  | RD24139PDF (825 KB)

Published online 13 December 2024

RD24141The role of machine learning in decoding the molecular complexity of bovine pregnancy: a review

Marilijn van Rumpt and M. Belen Rabaglino
 

A diagram of how machine learning is used to learn about pregnancy establishment and progression in cattle.

High embryo losses in cattle negatively impact the livestock industry. Modern techniques can measure the biological molecules involved in embryo–maternal communication at a large scale. These datasets are usually analysed through traditional pipelines. However, machine learning (ML) tools can learn from data to make predictions, helping decipher the complexity of biological data. Here, we review the contribution of ML in understanding pregnancy establishment in cattle, as well as the current challenges and future potential of ML in this field. Diagram created with BioRender.

This article belongs to the Collection: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025.

RD24141 Abstract  |  RD24141 Full Text  | RD24141PDF (420 KB)

Published online 13 December 2024

RD24142What we can learn from the bovine embryo and mouse models to enable in vitro gametogenesis in cattle

Anna C. Denicol 0000-0003-2528-4874
 

A comparison of follicular growth in large (cow, human) and small mammals (mice).

Producing eggs and sperm in the laboratory is a novel technology that has the potential to reduce the impact of animal agriculture on our planet and accelerate the genetic improvement of cattle. However, there are many pieces of information that we still need to learn about how cows reproduce before we can take advantage of this technology. Recent scientific advances are helping fill these gaps and should lead us toward more efficient and sustainable agriculture. Image by Anna C. Denicol.

This article belongs to the Collection: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025.

RD24142 Abstract  |  RD24142 Full Text  | RD24142PDF (807 KB)

Published online 13 December 2024

RD24143Advances in synchronization and superstimulation for OPU/IVEP: optimizing oocyte quantity and quality

Jessica C. L. Motta, Cameron B. Hayden, Rodrigo V. Sala, Pablo J. Ross and Alvaro García-Guerra
 

llustration of goals and tools involved in optimizing in vitro embryo production in cattle.

In vitro embryo production plays a critical role in the genetic improvement of cattle. Efficient in vitro embryo production requires the collection of multiple oocytes of optimal quality. This review describes the contribution of ovarian physiology to oocyte quantity and quality as well as the current status of ovarian superstimulation treatments directed at improving the efficacy of in vitro embryo production. In addition, the possibility of developing targeted ovarian superstimulation treatments based on distinct ovarian physiological characteristics is explored. Image by J. C. L. Motta and A. García-Guerra using Biorender.com.

This article belongs to the Collection: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025.

RD24143 Abstract  |  RD24143 Full Text  | RD24143PDF (2.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 December 2024

RD24144Organs-on-a-chip to understand reproduction

J. Julie Kim
 

Illustration of how organs-on-a-chip technology and can be applied in reproductive health research.

Organs-on-a-chip technology is transforming reproductive health research by offering unprecedented insights into complex reproductive physiology. These micro-engineered systems aim to recreate the conditions of the body, providing scientists new knowledge which can be used to address reproductive issues. This technology could significantly enhance fertility treatments, drug testing, and our understanding of human and animal reproduction. Image created with BioRender.com.

This article belongs to the Collection: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025.

RD24144 Abstract  |  RD24144 Full Text  | RD24144PDF (4.8 MB)

Published online 13 December 2024

RD24145Genome-edited livestock to secure sustainability

Tad Sonstegard 0000-0002-6446-9276, Jon Bostrom, Kyra Martins, Eui-Soo Kim, Carolina Correia, David MacHugh, Sabreena Larson and Daniel Carlson
 

Photographs of a male Thamani bull cow and Holstein female cow.

Current dairy breeding systems in tropical zones rely on crossbreeding between native, adapted breeds, and foreign high-performance genetics to increase milk yield. When the proportion of foreign-derived genetics becomes too high in subsequent generations of breeding, the animals typically fail to fit in the production environment due to unmanageable heat stress and susceptibility to endemic diseases. To overcome these types of genetic by environmental challenges, we bred animals with traits delivered through a multiplex gene editing platform that will contribute to significant and sustainable production gains for tropical dairy production systems. Photographs by Haley Jo.

This article belongs to the Collection: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025.

RD24145 Abstract  |  RD24145 Full Text  | RD24145PDF (325 KB)  | RD24145Supplementary Material (502 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 December 2024

RD24148Data-driven technologies and management practices for improving the sustainability of reproductive management

Julio O. Giordano
 

Illustration of dairy farm sustainability goals achievable through data-driven and automated management.

Dairy farms must constantly evolve to achieve sustainability goals, including profitability, minimal environmental impacts, and improve well-being of cows and people. Data-driven management practices and automated technologies are a growing opportunity for improving the sustainability of reproductive management. Data-driven targeted reproductive interventions can shorten interbreeding intervals, increase fertility, and reduce interventions on cows. Likewise, advances in technology enable automation of management tasks including detection of estrus, ovulation synchronization, and pregnancy testing. These innovations are reshaping reproductive management of dairy cattle. Image created by Julio Giordano.

This article belongs to the Collection: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025.

RD24148 Abstract  |  RD24148 Full Text  | RD24148PDF (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025

This collection contains full papers and abstracts from the 2025 IETS annual conference. The content focuses on this year’s conference theme of 'Emerging technologies for healthy reproduction and sustainability'.

This collection was published for the International Embryo Technology Society by CSIRO Publishing.

The papers in this collection are free to read until 31 January 2025.

Edited on behalf of the Society by Program Co-Chairs
Paula Rodriguez-Villamil (Genus plc, DeForest, WI, USA)
Kiho Lee (University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA)

Last Updated: 13 Dec 2024

Frontiers in Reproduction Science – Rising Stars at the Society for Reproductive Biology 2023

This collection of Reproduction, Fertility and Development contains papers by early-mid-career researchers who presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Reproductive Biology (SRB) in November 2023. This inaugural collection showcases the breadth and depth of research in reproductive biology by emerging researchers in Australia.

Guest Editors
Jenny Juengel (Co-Editor-in-Chief, Reproduction, Fertility and Development)
Graeme Martin (Co-Editor-in-Chief, Reproduction, Fertility and Development)
Caitlin Wyrwoll (SRB-RFD Liaison, Society for Reproductive Biology)

Last Updated: 06 Dec 2024

Non-photoperiodic Actions of Melatonin

Historically, melatonin has been seen as a pineal hormone that plays one essential role – the synchronisation of reproductive and other brain-controlled functions with changes in photoperiod. Often driven by the detection of melatonin receptors in non-brain tissues, it has become clear that melatonin plays a much wider variety of roles in the function of the testis, sperm, ovary, follicles, oocyte, embryo, placenta, fetus and mammary gland. This Collection presents this broader view of melatonin biology, and how the new concepts can be applied to livestock production.

Collection Editors
Alfonso Abecia, Guest Editor (Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain)
Graeme B. Martin, Co-Editor-in-Chief (Reproduction Fertility and Development)

Last Updated: 06 Dec 2024

The biology of the ovary – Honouring the contributions of Ken P McNatty and Rex J Scaramuzzi

This collection of Reproduction, Fertility and Development celebrates the work of Rex Scaramuzzi and Ken McNatty, both of whom were passionate about the field of reproductive biology. The papers were written by colleagues, collaborators and friends, and cover a variety of topics, but with a focus on the functions of the ovary in livestock, where their impact was most profound.

Collection Editors
Jenny Juengel (Co-Editor-in-Chief, Reproduction, Fertility and Development)
Graeme Martin (Co-Editor-in-Chief, Reproduction, Fertility and Development)

Last Updated: 22 Nov 2024

Dedication to Jim Cummins

This collection of Reproduction, Fertility and Development celebrates the important contributions James (Jim) Michael Cummins made to the field of reproductive biology. It covers a variety of topics but with a clear focus on spermatology where Jim’s impact, as a scientist and a teacher, was most profound.

Collection Editors
Marc Yeste, Guest Editor (University of Girona, Spain)
Graeme B. Martin, Co-Editor-in-Chief (Reproduction Fertility and Development)

Last Updated: 14 Oct 2024

Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence: Reproduction, Fertility and Development

In 2018, Reproduction, Fertility and Development celebrated 30 years of publication and we recognised this milestone with this Collection of papers. Papers were selected based on hard data (citations and downloads) but we also chose papers that reflect other criteria: landmarks in important aspects of reproductive biology; recognition of an influential individual; showcasing the breadth of the journal’s output (species studied; the stages in the process of reproduction); balance between biology and technology; and the international nature of contributors to the journal.

Collection Editor
Graeme Martin

Last Updated: 19 Jul 2018

World Congress of Reproductive Biology Showcase

Compiled to coincide with the World Congress of Reproductive Biology in Edinburgh, Scotland (2–4 September 2014), this Collection features publications from Congress speakers and on topics relevant to delegates. Comprising recent reviews and original research, the collection highlights significant contributions in the field of vertebrate reproductive biology.

Last Updated: 28 Aug 2014

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