Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1007/s43032-025-02048-6
Sang Yeon Cho, Nam Sook Kang
Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OV) is one of the deadliest gynecologic cancers, primarily due to late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment options. Precision oncology seeks to personalize cancer treatment based on individual genetic profiles and tumor characteristics. The solute carrier (SLC) transporter superfamily, consisting of over 400 proteins across 65 families, is vital for numerous cellular functions and presents promising therapeutic targets. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of SLC transporters by integrating mRNA and protein expression from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Human Protein Atlas (HPA). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to evaluate the involvement of SLC transporters in diverse oncogenic pathways. Significant upregulation of SLC transporters was observed in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues, notably for SLC57A5, SLC16A3, SLC20A2, and SLC34A2. This upregulation was associated with poorer overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicated that these transporters are significantly involved in crucial oncogenic pathways, including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and Hedgehog signaling pathways. This study identifies SLC transporters as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in OV. By targeting these transporters with small molecule inhibitors, it may be possible to disrupt essential metabolic pathways in cancer cells, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and improving patient outcomes. This research establishes a foundation for the development of SLC-targeted therapies in precision oncology, aiming to improve survival rates for patients with OV.
{"title":"The Solute Carrier (SLC) Transporter Superfamily as Therapeutic Targets for the Treatment of Ovarian Serous Cystadenocarcinoma.","authors":"Sang Yeon Cho, Nam Sook Kang","doi":"10.1007/s43032-025-02048-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-025-02048-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OV) is one of the deadliest gynecologic cancers, primarily due to late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment options. Precision oncology seeks to personalize cancer treatment based on individual genetic profiles and tumor characteristics. The solute carrier (SLC) transporter superfamily, consisting of over 400 proteins across 65 families, is vital for numerous cellular functions and presents promising therapeutic targets. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of SLC transporters by integrating mRNA and protein expression from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Human Protein Atlas (HPA). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to evaluate the involvement of SLC transporters in diverse oncogenic pathways. Significant upregulation of SLC transporters was observed in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues, notably for SLC57A5, SLC16A3, SLC20A2, and SLC34A2. This upregulation was associated with poorer overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicated that these transporters are significantly involved in crucial oncogenic pathways, including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and Hedgehog signaling pathways. This study identifies SLC transporters as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in OV. By targeting these transporters with small molecule inhibitors, it may be possible to disrupt essential metabolic pathways in cancer cells, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and improving patient outcomes. This research establishes a foundation for the development of SLC-targeted therapies in precision oncology, aiming to improve survival rates for patients with OV.</p>","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"399-410"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145966793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Female Infertility and Risk for Later-Life Cardiovascular Disease: Lessons from a Mouse Model of Human Cardiovascular Disease.","authors":"Ayaka Tanaka, Hitomi Nakamura, Namhyo Kim, Hajime Nakaoka, Makoto Nishida, Keiichi Kumasawa, Yasushi Sakata, Shizuya Yamashita, Tadashi Kimura","doi":"10.1007/s43032-025-02026-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-025-02026-y","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"457-466"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12992438/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145989816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-02-23DOI: 10.1007/s43032-026-02061-3
Khushi Kumari, M V N L Chaitanya, Shashi Kalia, Deepshikha Patle, Sachin Kumar Singh, Avijit Mazumder
{"title":"Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Approaches, Functional Bioactives, and Nutritional Interventions.","authors":"Khushi Kumari, M V N L Chaitanya, Shashi Kalia, Deepshikha Patle, Sachin Kumar Singh, Avijit Mazumder","doi":"10.1007/s43032-026-02061-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-026-02061-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"271-289"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147271870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Endometriosis (EMs) is a common chronic inflammatory gynecological disorder. But the exact pathogenetic mechanism of the disease is not clear, with some theories proposing that the disease is caused by the interaction of endocrine, immune, and genetic factors. Based on the GEO databases, we conducted an analysis employing DEGs, WGCNA, and machine learning. Using bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq data, we identified PDGFRA as a core gene. We found that PDGFRA was overexpressed in EMs tissues, and its expression increases with advanced stages of the disease. Interestingly, PDGFRA is predominantly expressed in the stromal cells of the endometrium, and the spatial transcriptome analysis revealed PDGFRA overexpression at the center of ectopic lesions regions. And the virtual knockout of PDGFRA affected the mesenchymal cell differentiation, focal adhesion and apoptosis of stromal cells. Additionally, PDGFRA influenced hypoxia, p53 signaling, and various immune cells. Moreover, basic experiments showed that inhibiting PDGFRA expression resulted in suppressed migration and invasion of stromal cells. In summary, PDGFRA emerges as a potential biomarker favoring cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and anti-apoptotic, suggesting its promise as a therapeutic target in EMs.
{"title":"Identification of a Potential Biomarker PDGFRA for Endometriosis Based on Comprehensive Analysis of Multiple Omics Data.","authors":"Shengnan Chen, Ying Jiang, Xiaoshan Chai, Xianqing Wu","doi":"10.1007/s43032-025-02049-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-025-02049-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Endometriosis (EMs) is a common chronic inflammatory gynecological disorder. But the exact pathogenetic mechanism of the disease is not clear, with some theories proposing that the disease is caused by the interaction of endocrine, immune, and genetic factors. Based on the GEO databases, we conducted an analysis employing DEGs, WGCNA, and machine learning. Using bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq data, we identified PDGFRA as a core gene. We found that PDGFRA was overexpressed in EMs tissues, and its expression increases with advanced stages of the disease. Interestingly, PDGFRA is predominantly expressed in the stromal cells of the endometrium, and the spatial transcriptome analysis revealed PDGFRA overexpression at the center of ectopic lesions regions. And the virtual knockout of PDGFRA affected the mesenchymal cell differentiation, focal adhesion and apoptosis of stromal cells. Additionally, PDGFRA influenced hypoxia, p53 signaling, and various immune cells. Moreover, basic experiments showed that inhibiting PDGFRA expression resulted in suppressed migration and invasion of stromal cells. In summary, PDGFRA emerges as a potential biomarker favoring cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and anti-apoptotic, suggesting its promise as a therapeutic target in EMs.</p>","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"358-371"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146257936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1007/s43032-025-02033-z
Fateme Arjmand, Jamileh Sadat Mirsanei, Rana Mehdizadeh, Mehdi Mehdizadeh
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a multifactorial disorder marked by ovarian function cessation before age 40, leading to infertility and systemic complications, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive impairment. It results from accelerated ovarian reserve depletion, impaired folliculogenesis, and hormonal dysregulation. The majority of cases are idiopathic, with known causes including genetic mutations, autoimmune disorders, infections, and iatrogenic factors. Recent RNA sequencing advances highlight microRNAs (miRNAs) as critical regulators of ovarian processes. Dysregulated miRNAs drive granulosa cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and follicular atresia, with distinct profiles offering potential as biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapeutic targets. This review synthesizes miRNA-mediated mechanisms in POI, integrating their roles in apoptosis, DNA repair, and folliculogenesis, and evaluates miRNA-based diagnostics and therapies, including exosome-mediated delivery, to improve reproductive and clinical outcomes.
{"title":"Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Molecular Mechanisms and the Role of MicroRNAs.","authors":"Fateme Arjmand, Jamileh Sadat Mirsanei, Rana Mehdizadeh, Mehdi Mehdizadeh","doi":"10.1007/s43032-025-02033-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-025-02033-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a multifactorial disorder marked by ovarian function cessation before age 40, leading to infertility and systemic complications, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive impairment. It results from accelerated ovarian reserve depletion, impaired folliculogenesis, and hormonal dysregulation. The majority of cases are idiopathic, with known causes including genetic mutations, autoimmune disorders, infections, and iatrogenic factors. Recent RNA sequencing advances highlight microRNAs (miRNAs) as critical regulators of ovarian processes. Dysregulated miRNAs drive granulosa cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and follicular atresia, with distinct profiles offering potential as biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapeutic targets. This review synthesizes miRNA-mediated mechanisms in POI, integrating their roles in apoptosis, DNA repair, and folliculogenesis, and evaluates miRNA-based diagnostics and therapies, including exosome-mediated delivery, to improve reproductive and clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"318-330"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146019408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-02-12DOI: 10.1007/s43032-025-02047-7
Kaixian Yan, Ran Kong, Defeng Liu
Infertility is a major global reproductive health challenge with significant social consequences, affecting an estimated 1 in 6 couples worldwide. Declining sperm quality represents a key contributing factor, making sperm analysis essential for diagnosing male infertility. Beyond conventional semen analysis, advanced assessments such as sperm DNA fragmentation testing and acrosome function evaluation have become standard diagnostic tools. Meanwhile, new technologies-such as 3D sperm imaging, high-precision microscopy, and genetic sequencing-are transforming sperm evaluation by analyzing movement, structure, function, and genetics in detail. These technological advancements enable two synergistic clinical improvements: (1) Deeper mechanistic understanding of sperm physiology via behavioral observation and molecular characterization, and (2) Enhanced sperm selection for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) through precision screening. The integration of interdisciplinary approaches-combining andrology, bioengineering, and computational biology-promises to accelerate the translation of novel sperm analysis platforms into clinical practice. This paradigm shift ultimately aims to elevate ART success rates while establishing evidence-based diagnostic frameworks for male infertility management.
{"title":"Sperm Testing in Assisted Reproductive Technology: Diagnosis and Outcome Prediction.","authors":"Kaixian Yan, Ran Kong, Defeng Liu","doi":"10.1007/s43032-025-02047-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-025-02047-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Infertility is a major global reproductive health challenge with significant social consequences, affecting an estimated 1 in 6 couples worldwide. Declining sperm quality represents a key contributing factor, making sperm analysis essential for diagnosing male infertility. Beyond conventional semen analysis, advanced assessments such as sperm DNA fragmentation testing and acrosome function evaluation have become standard diagnostic tools. Meanwhile, new technologies-such as 3D sperm imaging, high-precision microscopy, and genetic sequencing-are transforming sperm evaluation by analyzing movement, structure, function, and genetics in detail. These technological advancements enable two synergistic clinical improvements: (1) Deeper mechanistic understanding of sperm physiology via behavioral observation and molecular characterization, and (2) Enhanced sperm selection for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) through precision screening. The integration of interdisciplinary approaches-combining andrology, bioengineering, and computational biology-promises to accelerate the translation of novel sperm analysis platforms into clinical practice. This paradigm shift ultimately aims to elevate ART success rates while establishing evidence-based diagnostic frameworks for male infertility management.</p>","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":" ","pages":"257-270"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146181961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}