Multiple lines of evidence indicate that Plzf has a central node in the development, differentiation and maintenance of many stem cells, including male germline stem cells (mGSCs). This review summarises evidence showing tight regulation of cell type- and stage-specific expression of Plzf, that Plzf is activated with heterochromatin formation and that it may be controlled by specific microRNAs during germ cell development.

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) remains technically challenging and alternative methodologies require improvement. Oocyte enucleation by actinomycin D (AD) was improved in this study by optimising the concentration of AD used and the incubation period of denuded eggs, which led to improved embryo development with diminished non-specific cytotoxicity. Further developments in SCNT using AD enucleation should make cloning easier and improve our understanding of oocyte responses to DNA damage.

Vitrification of equine oocytes not only reduces the ability of oocytes to reach MII, but also results in ultrastructural changes to the meiotic spindle, including shortening of its long axis, and an increased incidence of chromosomes failing to align properly at the metaphase plate. Surprisingly, oocytes from young mares are more severely affected by vitrification than oocytes from older mares.

Mouse follicle culture systems typically use gas phase oxygen concentrations of 5% or 20%, even though this may not always provide adequate oxygenation. We found that enhancing oxygen delivery in serum-containing medium with human FSH (1 IU mL⁻¹) markedly improved follicular growth and function and reduced indicators of hypoxia. An important aspect of this enhanced oxygen delivery was that it allowed the development of spherical mouse follicles over 6 days to sizes comparable to in vivo-matured follicles.

The study of the effects of hormones on cell metabolism and development allows evolution of in vitro embryo production. In this study we evaluated the role of FHS, LH and insulin in glucose metabolism and, surprisingly, observed a major relationship between gonadotrophins and metabolism, as well as between insulin and fertilisation. This information is useful when selecting the right hormone to meet the different needs of cells during culture.

Published intrauterine adhesion (IUA) modelling procedures vary. In order to find an effective animal experimental model, we recommend that ethanol instillation is the most stable IUA modelling procedure whereas mechanical injury yielded inflammatory indicators. We hope that our findings can be adopted by more experimental researchers to facilitate the consistency of IUA models.

Kinase suppressor of Ras1 (ksr1)^−/− mice show spermatocyte stage arrest in most tubules and altered Leydig cells. The ksr1 gene encodes for a scaffolding protein (KSR1) involved in the signal transduction pathway. The spermatogenetic arrest was concomitant with low expression of ghrelin, a protein involved in reproduction, high expression of 3β-HSD, which is involved in steroid synthesis, and high blood testosterone level. KSR1, which is involved in the mouse spermatogenetic process, could play a role in human male fertility.

This study aimed to examine whether the plant polyphenol resveratrol (R) can directly affect ovarian functions. The present observations: (1) demonstrate that R directly affects ovarian cell proliferation, apoptosis and steroidogenesis, (2) provide further evidence of the involvement of FSH and IGF-I in the regulation of these processes, (3) demonstrate the ability of R to prevent and even invert the effects of FSH and IGF-I on ovarian cells and (4) indicate that the effects of R may be mediated by the mTOR–sirtuin intracellular signalling system.

The molecular background of infertility development in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) has not been fully addressed. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and global methylation levels in testicular samples from men diagnosed as NOA. The study found that altered DNMT expression and global methylation levels may play roles in the development of NOA.

Adipocytokines are key mediators in various complications of obesity. Our aim was to study the potential of adipocytokines to affect Sertoli cell function. Adipocytokines at high concentrations, which are often observed in obesity, may negatively affect Sertoli cell maturation and retain them in a more prepubertal stage in vitro. This could negatively affect testis function and add to fertility problems in obese adults.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) isoforms are key mediators of female reproductive functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prenatal hyperandrogenisation on the uterine PPAR system in adult female rats. A depleted PPAR system and a proinflammatory environment with a misbalanced oxidant–antioxidant status was found in rats exposed to prenatal androgen excess, and could condition uterine function leading to a pathological state.

The mechanism of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion during placentation remains unclear. This study explored whether maspin regulates trophoblast cells by regulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) C. Expression of maspin and VEGFC increased in EVT cells under hypoxic conditions, and recombinant VEGFC protein inhibited the invasion of trophoblast cells. Thus, VEGFC participates in the regulation of maspin in trophoblast cell invasion.

Brown and spotted hyenas and the aardvark are species with limited external sexual dimorphism and deficient sequence data. Knowledge of phylogenetic relationships enabled us to isolate sex determining region Y (SRY) gene sequences and use them for non-invasive molecular sex testing in these species. The method of sex identification from hair bulbs is a beneficial tool in the captive breeding of exotic species.