Graphene Oxide (GO), the hydrophilic derivative of graphene, has attracted growing attention in nanomedicine due to its ability to interact with lipid membranes and modulate their physico-chemical properties. Its amphiphilic character and high density of oxygen-containing functional groups enable strong interactions with phospholipids and cholesterol, two key components that regulate membrane fluidity, permeability and structural integrity. In this work, we investigated the effect of GO on artificial membrane models, comprising liposomes and droplet interface bilayers (DIBs), composed by cholesterol and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocoline (DOPC). A multidisciplinary approach combining fluorescence leakage assays, differential scanning calorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy, and water permeability studies was employed. Results demonstrated that GO alters bilayer organization by weakening lipid-lipid interactions, lowering phase transition cooperativity, and increasing bilayer fluidity and permeability. NMR quantification revealed a significant reduction in the DOPC:Chol ratio, consistent with cholesterol displacement or redistribution within the bilayer. Fluorescence analysis using Filipin III further indicated an increased cholesterol exposure at the outer leaflet, suggesting sterols reorientation in the presence of GO. These effects were observed without complete vesicle disruption, highlighting a remodeling rather than a destructive action. Compared to methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD), the gold standard cholesterol extractor, GO induced more profound changes by simultaneously promoting cholesterol exposure, modulating phospholipid order, and enhancing water penetration across the bilayer. Overall, this study provides mechanistic insights into GO-lipid interactions, suggesting its potential as a novel nanomaterial for controlled modulation of membrane properties, with promising implications in reproductive biology and assisted fertilization technologies.

Paternal reproductive health in focus: new World Health Organization infertility guideline interpreted through a biological and clinical lens.

Male fertility is declining globally, prompting efforts to identify contributing dietary factors. Wheat, a major staple worldwide, provides caloric and protein value but also contains anti-nutritional components such as wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), which has been implicated in oxidative stress and infertility. This study investigated the effects of common wheat lectin on male reproductive parameters in prepubertal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Forty-five prepubertal SD rats (40-50 g; 30 days old) were randomized into three treatment durations (2, 5, and 10 weeks), each subdivided into three groups: control, pure wheat lectin (250 mg/kg), and common wheat lectin extract (250 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally once daily. At each time point, testicular histology, sperm quality, reproductive hormones, and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Rats treated with wheat lectin showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) in testicular antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GSH) and testosterone (serum and intratesticular), alongside elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and reproductive hormones (LH, FSH, prolactin). Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were significantly impaired. Histological analysis revealed notable damage to the seminiferous germinal epithelium, expansion of the interstitial compartment consistent with edema, and basement membrane disintegration. Chronic exposure to wheat-derived lectins, may adversely influence male reproductive biology in this prepubertal rat model. The findings suggest a potential association between lectin exposure and testicular dysfunction, possibly mediated by alterations in hormone regulation and oxidative stress. These results should be interpreted cautiously and warrant further investigation to clarify their relevance to human reproductive health.

16S rRNA gene-based genetic diversity of Wolbachia strains infecting Anopheles gambiae s.s. and Anopheles coluzzii in Côte d'Ivoire.

Evaluation of ovarian remodeling-associated markers across prepubertal and adult cyclic stages in the dog.

Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), also known as black soldier fly (BSF), offers an important sustainable approach to waste management and resource recovery, since its larvae can reduce organic waste volumes, transform them into biomass, and generate protein-rich feed, biodiesel precursors, and organic fertilizers. Despite the abundance of information on its larval stage, the reproductive biology of the adult is still poorly understood. The present study, through behavioural tests, cryo-scanning electron microscopy analysis and centrifugal force tester experiments, deepens the knowledge on the mechanical interaction between male tarsi and the body of conspecifics during mating and competition, describes the sexual dimorphism in BSF tarsal attachment devices and provides information on the attachment ability of both sexes to artificial surfaces with different features in terms of roughness and wettability. Further studies comparing adult behaviour in rearing conditions and in the wild are necessary to optimise BSF mass-rearing facilities.

Pharmaceuticals are fast becoming a major source of environmental pollution. Many pharmaceuticals are endocrine disruptors and can thus interfere with the endocrine system of exposed organisms, leading to a suite of behavioural and physiological alterations. While numerous studies have shown that exposure to pharmaceutical contaminants can disrupt the reproductive ecology of oviparous fishes, far less attention has been given to understanding the impacts on viviparous fishes, despite their ecological and evolutionary importance. Here, we investigated the impacts of the pharmaceutical contaminant 17ɑ-ethinylestradiol (EE2) on the reproductive biology of a marine livebearer, the Southern crested weedfish (Cristiceps australis). Adult weedfish were exposed to one of three nominal concentrations of EE2 (0, 30, and 300 ng/L) for 14 days. We then assessed the impacts of exposure on morphology of both sexes, and female gametogenesis. In doing so, we found no differences in the body length, weight, or condition of fish between treatment groups. We additionally found no differences in gonadosomatic index (GSI) or gametogenesis between exposed and unexposed females. In contrast to reports in other taxa, our findings suggest that short-term exposure to EE2 does not produce detectable effects on weedfish growth and reproduction. However, the extent to which exposure duration influences these responses is unknown. Ultimately, these results emphasise the importance of assessing the effects of EE2 on a diverse range of organisms if we are to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its ecological impacts.

The Effect of Long-term Oral Tamoxifen and Metabolism in the Mouse Ovary.

Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) is a central regulator of mitochondrial fission and plays a critical role in maintaining mitochondrial function, distribution, and turnover in reproductive cells. Mitochondrial integrity is essential for oocyte quality, folliculogenesis, fertilization, embryonic development, and ultimately, female reproductive longevity. In this review, we synthesize evidence from mammalian and invertebrate models to illustrate the essential roles of DRP1 in reproductive physiology and aging. Genetic deletion or pharmacologic inhibition of DRP1 results in mitochondrial clustering, energy failure, increased reactive oxygen species production, meiotic arrest, and embryo fragmentation. Furthermore, DRP1 dysfunction has been increasingly implicated in age-associated reproductive decline due to impaired mitophagy and defective organelle crosstalk. Model systems such as mice, pigs, and Caenorhabditis elegans have demonstrated that DRP1 activity is modulated by metabolic and epigenetic pathways, including NAD+/sirtuin signaling and GTP metabolism. Therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring DRP1 function-including nicotinamide mononucleotide, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and dietary modulation-have shown promising effects in delaying reproductive aging and improving oocyte or embryo competence in animal models. Despite the current absence of human interventional efficacy data, DRP1 is a plausible and testable target in reproductive biology, with preclinical findings indicating potential relevance to infertility treatment and reproductive aging. This review highlights DRP1 as a key target in reproductive biology, emphasizing its translational potential for treating infertility and mitigating age-related oocyte deterioration.

ART has transformed clinical practice but still face modest success rates, poorly defined implantation conditions, and persistent gaps in understanding early human development. At the same time, research in human reproductive biology remains strikingly underfunded relative to its medical and social impact. Over the last decade, advances in human pluripotent stem cell (PSC) biology have generated a suite of technologies that can recapitulate early stages of human development from blastocyst formation to early gastrulation in vitro. Here we review how such models can be harnessed to interrogate lineage specification, embryo-endometrium crosstalk, the origins of aneuploidy and implantation failure, and the developmental basis of placental and yolk sac disorders, with a focus on primates. We argue that integrating stem cell-derived embryo models into reproductive research agendas offers a tractable experimental framework to improve ART outcomes and address major unmet needs in human reproductive health.

In brief: The regulation of endometrial decidualization, cellular senescence, and receptivity by mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1-centered metabolic and stress-response pathways represents a key intersection of reproductive biology, cellular aging, and translational medicine, highlighting the evolutionary and mechanistic underpinnings of reproductive aging. This review integrates recent evidence on how dysregulation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 and associated pathways-including AMP-activated protein kinase, tuberous sclerosis complex 2, and the p53/sestrin axis-impacts implantation outcomes, providing a framework for potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in assisted reproductive technology. AbstractThis review aims to integrate current knowledge on how mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-centered metabolic and stress-response pathways regulate endometrial decidualization, cellular senescence, and receptivity, with particular emphasis on their impact on implantation in advanced maternal age and metabolic disorders. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar without temporal restrictions, and studies were selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria focusing on metabolic signaling and reproductive function. Physiological mTORC1 activation during the proliferative phase supports stromal cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and initiation of decidualization, while facilitating formation and clearance of physiological senescent cells. Conversely, sustained mTORC1 activation associated with aging or metabolic dysfunction enhances cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype through autophagy suppression, increased oxidative stress, and DNA damage, leading to impaired decidualization and reduced endometrial receptivity. This pattern aligns with the principle of antagonistic pleiotropy, whereby traits advantageous for reproduction in youth become detrimental to tissue function later. Dysregulation of mTORC1 and its related pathways-including AMP-activated protein kinase, tuberous sclerosis complex 2, and the p53 axis-is linked to implantation failure, particularly in advanced maternal age, obesity, and insulin resistance. In conclusion, mTORC1-centered metabolic and stress-response networks are fundamental regulators of endometrial maturation and senescence. Incorporating the assessment of mTORC1 activity and aging-associated markers may improve endometrial evaluation and reproductive outcomes, particularly in women of advanced reproductive age. Furthermore, such approaches may also enhance diagnostic precision and potentially increase success rates in assisted reproductive technologies.

Terfezia claveryi is a hypogeous fungus that forms desert truffles through ectendomycorrhizal symbiosis with Cistaceae plants in arid and semiarid environments. The study presented herein elucidates the organization and structure of the mating type (MAT) locus in this species and the spatio-temporal dynamics of T. claveryi strains in Helianthemum almeriense mycorrhizal plants and soil from nursery to field. MAT genes are the master loci controlling sexual reproduction and development in fungi. Our findings demonstrate that T. claveryi is a haploid and heterothallic species as its strains harbor and express either TcMAT1-1-1 or TcMAT1-2-1 genes as revealed by genome sequencing and RNAseq analyses. DNA-binding motifs located in their respective promoter regions appear to play a major role in the regulation of reproductive processes. The α-box and HMG-box domains are highly conserved along the Pezizomycetes and their strong structural similarity despite its poor sequence similarity supports a common evolutionary origin. Moreover, we set out a PCR-based approach to monitor the dynamics of T. claveryi strains of opposite mating type on mycorrhizal plants and soil. T. claveryi mycorrhizal plants at the nursery stage presented strains of both mating types, whereas a notable dominance of strains with the TcMAT1-1-1 gene was observed in field stage. Altogether, this research provides insights about genetic regulation and evolution of the MAT locus within the Pezizomycetes, and the reproductive biology of this important desert truffle, along with reliable markers to track the spatio-temporal distribution of strains of opposite mating types.

Drosophila and parasitic wasps in the genus Leptopilina have long been a model for understanding host-parasite interactions. Indeed, parasitic wasps are important drivers of ecological and evolutionary processes broadly, but we are generally lacking information about the diversity, natural history, and evolution of these relationships. We collected insects from the Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia, home to the eastern Caribbean dunni subgroup of Drosophila: a clade long appreciated for its recent patterns of speciation and adaptation. Here we present an integrative approach that incorporates natural history, taxonomy, physiology, and genomics to describe Leptopilina malgretoutensis Buffington, Lue, Davis & Tracey sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), a virulent parasitoid of dunni group flies, specifically Drosophila antillea. Leptopilina malgretoutensis is nested within an early-branching clade of Leptopilina, offering insights into the evolution of this important genus of Drosophila parasitoids. We present a high-quality assembly for this wasp's 1Gbp genome, and for its bacterial endosymbiont: Wolbachia strain "wLmal." Furthermore, we show that wLmal induces parthenogenesis in the wasp, and that these wasps are reliant upon their Wolbachia infections to produce female offspring. Finally, comparisons to historical museum specimens indicated that Leptopilina malgretoutensis had been collected approximately 40 years prior from the nearby island of Guadeloupe, and these wasps were also asexually reproducing. This work represents one of only a handful of studies in which field biology, taxonomy, systematics, genomics, and experimental biology are integrated into a species description: showcasing the possibilities for biodiversity research in the genomic era.

ABSTRACTObjectivesMorphological differences between parous and nulliparous women have long been interpreted as reproductive signatures. However, such patterns may instead reflect demographic composition. This study aimed to reassess parity‐related morphological variation by reducing confounding from age and BMI using propensity score matching (PSM).MethodsAnthropometric data from 1339 Korean women aged 20–39 years were analyzed. Forty‐five direct and derived body dimensions, collected following ISO 7250‐1:2017, were compared between parous and nulliparous women before and after 1:1 nearest‐neighbor PSM on age and BMI. Group differences were examined for torso breadths, depths, circumferences, and proportional indices.ResultsUnadjusted analyses reproduced well‐known findings: parous women showed greater abdominal breadths and depths, larger circumferences, and adiposity patterns commonly attributed to childbirth. After PSM, however, most differences—including widely cited markers of lower‐body enlargement and postpartum contour change—were substantially attenuated or statistically nonsignificant. Only a small number of proportional indices (e.g., underbust/weight, waist/weight, elbow/weight) retained modest differences, indicating that parity leaves limited, anatomically localized morphological signatures rather than broad structural changes.ConclusionsDemographic composition, rather than reproductive biology alone, accounts for much of the observed variation in cross‐sectional datasets. Matching‐based approaches clarify the independent contribution of parity, strengthen causal inference in anthropometric research, and underscore the need to consider population structure when interpreting life‐history‐related variation in adult female morphology.

The Balbiani body (Bb) is a conserved membraneless compartment that assembles in early oocytes across animal species and is required for oocyte growth, polarity and developmental competence. It is composed of RNA-protein complexes and enriched organelles, and is a molecular condensate that integrates and spatially organizes transcripts, mitochondria and regulatory factors. Although its core architecture is conserved, its roles vary across species, supporting RNA storage and localization, mitochondrial selection and quality control, translational regulation and cytoplasmic patterning. Bb assembly is initiated by phase separation of seed proteins and reinforced by microtubule-dependent transport and scaffolding. The condensate subsequently matures into a stable solid-like structure and later undergoes regulated actin-dependent disassembly at the oocyte cortex. This ordered progression enables controlled concentration, stabilization and targeted delivery of developmental determinants required for oogenesis and early embryonic development. Elucidating these mechanisms provides a tractable framework for understanding how biomolecular condensation and cytoskeletal organization generate functional compartments in cells, with broad implications for cell, developmental and reproductive biology. An accompanying poster summarizes its composition, assembly and dynamics, and highlights species-specific functions and remaining questions.

The male genital morphology of the plains vizcacha (Lagostomus maximus) remains poorly characterized despite the species' distinctive reproductive biology and its phylogenetic position within Caviomorpha. In this study, we describe the gross anatomy, histology, and ultrastructure of the penis of L. maximus using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The genitalia of the vizcacha shares several features with other caviomorph rodents, including the absence of a pendulous scrotum, subcutaneous inguinal testes, and a retracted inverted S-shaped penile configuration. Notably, we identify a previously undescribed narrow stylet-like distal process supported by hyaline cartilage and bearing caudally oriented surface spine-like projections, representing a novel morphological specialization among caviomorph rodents. These distal specializations may influence copulatory mechanics by enhancing mechanical stimulation of the female reproductive tract. When considered alongside recent evidence suggesting a mixed ovulatory strategy in L. maximus, including a seminal plasma-induced ovulatory process, these findings raise the possibility that penile morphology contributes synergistically to ovulation induction. Our results expand current knowledge of genital diversity in caviomorph rodents and provide a morphological framework for future functional and evolutionary investigations.

Delivery of large molecular complexes into spermatozoa remains a challenge in reproductive biotechnology. Teleost sperm possess highly compacted chromatin and minimal cytoplasmic volume, limiting intracellular access of ribonucleoprotein assemblies. Here, we evaluated whether CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes can be introduced into Nile tilapia spermatozoa using capillary electroporation while preserving cellular integrity. RNP uptake was quantified via EGFP fluorescence, and sperm performance was assessed through motility, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and DNA fragmentation analyses. Approximately 10%-13% of spermatozoa exhibited detectable EGFP signal following electroporation. Increased pulse numbers reduced motility and mitochondrial activity, whereas membrane integrity was preserved and no increase in DNA fragmentation was detected. A single pulse (1250 V, 40 ms) provided the best balance between RNP uptake and functional preservation. These findings support capillary electroporation as a minimally disruptive strategy for CRISPR-RNP delivery in teleost reproductive biology.

Reproductive biology of the pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) in the Eastern-Central Pacific Ocean

Sex determination and differentiation represent fundamental topics in reproductive biology. Sichuan taimen (Hucho bleekeri), a first-class national protected fish species in China, lacks obvious secondary sexual characteristics, making it challenging to distinguish sex without resorting to invasive methods such as dissection. This limitation presents a significant obstacle to both artificial breeding and conservation efforts for the species. Herein, we performed transcriptome and proteome sequencing to identify sex-biased genes of H. bleekeri. A total of 25258 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in gonadal tissues, including 15071 up-regulated male-biased DEGs. Proteomics analysis identified 2937 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Integrated analysis identified several key DEGs, including sdY, CYP11A1, 3β-HSD1, CYP17A1, CYP11B, CYP19A1A, 17β-HSD1, and 17β-HSD8, in which CYP11A1, 3β-HSD1, CYP17A1, and CYP11B exhibited high expression in the testis. Furthermore, the cDNA sequence of the sdY gene was obtained, and in situ hybridization revealed that sdY is exclusively expressed in the Sertoli cells of the testis. In addition, one pair of sdY primers was designed to screen sex-linked markers, and the results confirmed that sdY can serve as a sex-specific marker in H. bleekeri. The present study would provide a foundation for future research on genes involved in sex determination, differentiation, and artificial breeding in H. bleekeri.

Phytolacca acinosa Roxb., a perennial herb native to East Asia, is increasingly naturalizing in Europe, yet its reproductive ecology in the secondary range remains poorly understood. This study evaluated seed productivity across central and edge populations in the secondary range, fruit and seed morphometrics, and germination responses to cold storage, acid scarification (simulating bird endozoochory), and light exposure. Fruit production per raceme was influenced by an interaction between insolation and range position: reduced insolation increased fruit set in central populations but decreased it at the range edge. Raceme number per shoot was lower in spontaneous plants compared to cultivated ones. Fresh seeds exhibited strong dormancy with no germination without scarification. Acid scarification significantly enhanced germination, particularly with light exposure, reaching up to 55%. Cold storage did not increase germination percentage but accelerated germination of scarified seeds under light, reducing median germination time from 24 to 21 days. Compared to the congeneric P. americana, P. acinosa shows more stringent dormancy requirements. We conclude that P. acinosa retains deep seed dormancy in its secondary range and relies on bird-mediated endozoochory for both dispersal and dormancy release. At the northern range edge, reduced plant vigor and lower raceme numbers are partially offset by increased flower production per raceme, though fruit set remains constrained. The species does not exhibit the simplified germination requirements often associated with successful invaders; instead, its invasion success appears driven by a bet-hedging strategy combining persistent seed banks with specific dormancy-breaking cues.