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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 04 August 2025

RD25055Modelling menstruation in the common mouse: a narrative review

Laura M. Rogers 0009-0002-5469-4231, Gendie E. Lash 0000-0002-3606-1361, Greg M. Anderson and Jane E. Girling 0000-0002-8154-2068
 

Schematic of endometrium changes during menstruation. Mouse endometrium (top), human endometrium (bottom).

Modelling menstruation in animals that do not naturally menstruate is a challenge but not impossible. This review assesses the literature surrounding artificial menstruation in the common laboratory mouse. We noted that different models produce different menstruation-like events; the results highlight the importance of ovarian factors other than progesterone during menstruation. Researchers should select their chosen menstruation model carefully to ensure the model does not have negative impacts on the outcomes. Image created in BioRender, Rogers L (2025).

RD25055 Abstract  |  RD25055 Full Text  | RD25055PDF (1.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 28 July 2025

RD25060β-NGF and its receptors are present in ram sperm cells, but β-NGF was undetectable in seminal plasma

Javier Meilán 0009-0009-3533-1268, Rodrigo Carrasco, Marcelo Ratto and Rodolfo Ungerfeld 0000-0003-4685-2105
 

Fluorescent immunohistochemistry image showing the presence of nerve growth factor β, p75 and TrkA in ram spermatozoa.

The nerve growth factor β (β-NGF) plays important roles in reproduction in camelid and ruminant females. Less is known about it in males, specifically in rams; however, this study reports the presence of β-NGF in ram spermatozoa for the first time. This finding contributes to a better understanding of the possible roles in animal reproduction. Image by Rodrigo Carrasco.

RD25060 Abstract  | PDF (2.4 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 25 July 2025

RD25058Whole-exome sequencing reveals a novel mutation in the SUN5 gene causing acephalic spermatozoa syndrome

Seyedeh-Hanieh Hosseini, Nastaran Salehisedeh 0009-0005-0164-614X, Mahsa Allahgholi, Ali Ahani, Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani and Marjan Sabbaghian
 

Mutation in SUN5 gene linked to acephalic spermatozoa syndrome and male infertility insights.

Infertility is a growing concern for many men worldwide, and understanding its genetic causes could lead to better treatments. This study reveals a new mutation in the SUN5 gene, responsible for a condition called acephalic spermatozoa syndrome, where sperm lack heads. These findings offer new insights into male infertility, potentially paving the way for improved diagnosis and personalized therapies for affected individuals. Image created with BioRender.

RD25058 Abstract  | PDF (1.3 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 25 July 2025

RD25069Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) impairs sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and induces sperm apoptosis in infertile men

Sana Sahnoun 0000-0001-9314-1651, Afifa Sellami, Hela Menif, Nour Louati, Salima Daoud, Hanen Sellami and Saloua Lassoued
 

A diagram showing experimental design of sperm parameter evaluation.

Genital infection represents a potential factor that could induce detrimental effects on male fertility. It has been suggested that lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of Gram-negative bacteria, could have a negative effect on sperm quality. Our study made an attempt to explore the effect of LPS on human sperms and our data strongly suggest that LPS impairs mitochondrial membrane potential and leads to the activation of some pathways responsible for sperm apoptosis, notably in sperms from infertile men. Diagram by Sana Sahnoun.

RD25069 Abstract  | PDF (1.4 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 24 July 2025

RD25030Technical report on preservation of dromedary camel embryos at 4°C for up to 72 h in catalase-supplemented media

Julian Alexandra Skidmore 0000-0002-6435-0064, Brendan Patrick Mulligan and Jane Louise Vaughan
 

Image of camel expanded blastocyst after cooling for 48 h at 4°C

The growing interest in camels for racing, milk production and beauty competitions has generated enthusiasm to breed from genetically superior animals by using embryo transfer (ET). One of the major challenges of ET is getting large numbers of recipients synchronized with the donor for the day of transfer. However, it is possible to store embryos at 4°C for 2–3 days and addition of catalase to the cooling medium enhances overall pregnancy rates. This therefore reduces the need for such tight synchronization. Image by JA Skidmore.

RD25030 Abstract  | PDF (281 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 21 July 2025

RD25042Markers for early pregnancy prediction in Zebu cows subjected to timed artificial insemination

Mariana Alves de Andrade Silva 0000-0002-8169-8783, Artur Azevedo Menezes 0000-0001-6213-3106, Endrigo Adonis Braga de Araujo, Marcos Chalhoub Coelho Lima, Rodrigo Freitas Bittencourt 0000-0002-0341-2073, Marcos Vinícius Galvão Loiola and Antonio de Lisboa Ribeiro Filho
 

Doppler ultrasound image with corpus luteum showing high vascularization, a positive predictive diagnosis.

High reproductive performance in beef herds is essential to ensure maximum production and satisfactory economic returns. In this regard, the use of Doppler ultrasound imaging is crucial for enhancing productivity by detecting non-pregnant animals early, allowing for timely resynchronization and reduction in calving intervals. The objective of this study was to evaluate early pregnancy markers for their accuracy and to elucidate the interactions among these reproductive markers. Image by Mariana Alves de Andrande Silva.

RD25042 Abstract  | PDF (1.6 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 10 July 2025

RD25054Transcription factor-mediated gene regulatory networks in the formation of oocytes

Di Wu 0009-0007-0095-2158, Zifan Liang 0009-0008-8729-9952, Ziqi Li 0009-0000-1055-4371, Boyang Zhang 0009-0009-8537-7897, Qiwen Li 0009-0004-0153-9646, Kesong Shi 0009-0002-1896-4062 and Shu Fang 0009-0003-8125-1513
 

Diagram showing the transcription factor-mediated gene regulatory networks in human germinal vesicle oocytes.

Female infertility impacts millions globally, prompting the exploration of stem cell-derived oocyte technologies as a transformative solution. Cross-species research has identified NFYA/B/C as core regulators of oogenesis, with NFYA demonstrating a remarkable ability to activate the key oocyte-specific gene Alkbh5. This breakthrough promises to elevate the efficiency of in vitro oocyte production while establishing theoretical foundations for novel infertility treatments. Diagram by Shu Fang.

RD25054 Abstract  | PDF (2 MB) - $35.00   | RD25054Supplementary Material (419 KB)
Published online 27 June 2025

RD24178Ovarian culture with mouse serum improves follicle development compared with fetal bovine serum, showing the importance of as yet unidentified factors in follicle growth

Nilay Kuscu, Sabriya Abdul Kader 0009-0006-3958-5693, Eleanor R. Stephens 0000-0003-2218-937X, Babatomisin V. Adeniran 0000-0001-5562-1451, Omar F. Ammar, Ava S. Harrison, Belinda KM Lo 0000-0002-1080-9837 and Suzannah A. Williams 0000-0003-1798-976X
 

Primary follicle in mouse ovarian section with both AMH-positive and AMH-negative granulosa cells.

For blood cancer survivors, a fertility preservation treatment generating eggs in culture by using their own cryopreserved ovarian tissue does not yet exist. This could be due to culture media missing crucial factors that exist in the circulation. We showed that mouse ovarian follicles do indeed grow better in culture supplemented with mouse serum. By identifying that there are additional factors in mouse serum that improve mouse ovarian follicle development, this paves the way to identify these molecules, which would likely be informative for humans. Image by Sabriya Abdul Kader.

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

RD24178 Abstract  |  RD24178 Full Text  | RD24178PDF (6.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 June 2025

RD25049Maintenance of developmental competence in feline oocytes following 24 h of meiotic arrest with physiological agents

Shelley E. S. Sandmaier 0000-0002-5168-3417 and Jason R. Herrick
 

Diagram showing development of a feline oocyte in standard IVM media (top line) and pre-IVM conditions (bottom line).

Cat oocytes exhibit reduced competence when matured in vitro as compared to those matured within the ovarian environment. We sought to optimize a culture media that would increase developmental rates of immature oocytes through the use of an additional preliminary maturation step. While none of the additives chosen improved oocyte competence, we demonstrated the ability to hold oocytes for 24 h without a reduction in competence, an important finding for saving genetic material from endangered felids. Image by Shelley Sandmaier using BioRender.

RD25049 Abstract  | PDF (871 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 10 June 2025

RD24193Hormonal and cytomorphological influences on the primary and secondary sex ratio in mammals

Ana Martins-Bessa 0000-0002-9566-3100, Laura Haig, Angus D. Macaulay, Winnie Chen, Salma Askar and Pawel M. Bartlewski 0000-0003-2731-9137
 

Diagram summarising potential stressors that may affect the sex of mammalian offspring.

This review explores how hormones may influence the sex of mammalian offspring. Researchers examined how natural hormones and hormonal treatments around fertilization and during early pregnancy could affect sex ratios. Although hormonal manipulations offer a potentially sustainable way to influence offspring sex, they remain less reliable than currently used methods such as sperm sorting or embryo selection. Image by P. Bartlewski.

RD24193 Abstract  | PDF (2.9 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 05 June 2025

RD24191The impact of GnRH immunocastration on colonic microbiota and metabolites in male sheep

Shehr Bano Mustafa, Hua Long, Tianzeng Song, Xiaoming Zhang, Yangzong Zhaxi, Jing Wu, Xiaoying Chen, Khuram Shahzad, Xunping Jiang, Guiqiong Liu, Xianyin Zeng and Wangsheng Zhao 0000-0002-6339-329X
 

Illustration of GnRH immunocastration effect on microbiota and metabolism in Xizang sheep

This study explores the impact of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunocastration on colonic microbiota and metabolites in male Xizang sheep. GnRH immunocastration effectively reduced testosterone levels, influenced microbial composition by increasing Bacteroidetes and beneficial genera like Bacteroides, and altered key metabolites such as methyl stearate and bile acids. These findings highlight GnRH immunocastration as a humane alternative to surgical castration, with improves animal welfare, nutrient absorption, and metabolic efficiency. Image by Shehr Bano Mustafa.

RD24191 Abstract  | PDF (2.8 MB) - $35.00   | RD24191Supplementary Material (411 KB)
Published online 02 June 2025

RD25045Advancements in microfluidic and electrophoretic techniques for stallion sperm isolation

Ashlee Medica 0000-0001-7270-9316, R. John Aitken, Aleona Swegen and Zamira Gibb 0000-0002-4864-8880
 

Illustrated summary of sperm isolation techniques and their potential to improve equine fertility outcomes

Assisted reproductive technologies like artificial insemination help address equine infertility, but selecting high-quality sperm beforehand can further boost fertility rates. Traditional methods like centrifugation may damage sperm DNA, whereas newer techniques – microfluidics (using tiny fluid channels to filter healthy sperm) and electrophoresis (sorting sperm by electric charge) – offer gentler alternatives. Innovations like VetMotl™ and Felix™ enhance sperm selection, improving pregnancy outcomes. While cost of these devices remains a challenge, ongoing research could make these advancements more accessible for equine breeding. Illustration by Ashlee Medica.

This article belongs to the collection: Frontiers in Reproduction Science – Rising Stars at the Society for Reproductive Biology 2024.

RD25045 Abstract  |  RD25045 Full Text  | RD25045PDF (308 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 29 May 2025

RD24194Obesity induced by a high-fat diet is associated with changes in the expression levels of Dnmt3b and Dnmt3l proteins in mouse testes

Nazlican Bozdemir 0000-0001-9110-4267, Gozde Sukur 0000-0003-1957-551X, Tuba Kablan 0009-0007-5107-472X, Ozgur Cinar 0000-0003-2901-1910 and Fatma Uysal 0000-0002-9176-326X
 

A diagram showing the effect of high-fat diet on spermatogenesis in mice.

Obesity is a major health problem that can affect many parts of the body, including the reproductive system. This study examined how a high-fat diet can affect proteins potentially responsible for sperm production in mice. It was found that this diet led to changes in proteins called DNA methyltransferases, which can affect how other genes function through a process known as epigenetics. This suggests that obesity may contribute to male infertility by altering the epigenetic processes involved in sperm development. Image by authors using Biorender.com.

RD24194 Abstract  | PDF (3 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 13 May 2025

RD24199The influence of CCN family proteins on ovarian physiology and pathology

El Arbi Abulghasem 0009-0004-4909-6557 and Christopher A. Price 0000-0002-6727-8280
 

Diagram depicting known and potential roles of CCN proteins in ovarian function.

Infertility in women has been associated with increased ovarian fibrosis with age, and failure to ovulate an egg in conditions such as polycystic ovarian disease. Fibrosis can be increased by certain growth factors, such as the CCN proteins, which may also be involved in inflammatory processes leading to ovulation. This review summarized the known effects of CCN proteins in ovarian function, and proposes a role in ovulation. Image made in BioRender.

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

RD24199 Abstract  | PDF (1.5 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 05 May 2025

RD24118Histomorphometric comparison of the gravid and non-gravid uterus at the time of birth in the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii): insights into the embryo-maternal interface

Marie K. Muenzenberger 0009-0009-7111-6039, Karl Klisch, Brandon R. Menzies 0000-0002-1897-0115, Juliane Rieger, Sabine Kaessmeyer and Barbara Drews
 

Sketch of light micrographs of non-gravid endometrium (left) and gravid endometrium (right).

Wallabies require rapid embryonic development as they give birth after a short pregnancy, immediately followed by ovulation. We analyzed and quantified differences between the gravid and the non-gravid uterus, which included a greater blood vessel area and increased surface area in the gravid endometrium and investigated the features ensuring the most efficient embryo-maternal exchange, such as polyploidy of trophoblast cells. However, these adaptations seem to be self-limiting making birth at the designated time inevitable. Image by Marie Muenzenberger.

RD24118 Abstract  |  RD24118 Full Text  | RD24118PDF (4.1 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

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)

The papers in this collection are free to read for one month, from 22 July 2025

Last Updated: 22 Jul 2025

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: 27 Jun 2025

Frontiers in Reproduction Science – Rising Stars at the Society for Reproductive Biology 2024

This collection of Reproduction, Fertility and Development contains papers by early- and mid-career researchers who presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Reproductive Biology (SRB) in November 2024. This 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)
Ellen Menkhorst (SRB-RFD Liaison, Society for Reproductive Biology)

Last Updated: 03 Jun 2025

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

This collection of Reproduction, Fertility and Development contains papers by early- and 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: 20 Apr 2025

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

This collection of Reproduction, Fertility and Development 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.

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: 03 Mar 2025

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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