The role of extracellular vesicles in early embryo development and their application in assisted reproductive technologies.
10.3724/zdxbyxb-2025-0085
- Author:
Haichao WANG
1
,
2
;
Xiaoxuan LI
3
;
Hongyan LAN
3
;
Xiaomei TONG
4
Author Information
1. Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health and Disease, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Precise Protection and Promotion of Fertility, Hangzhou 310016, China. wanghaichao93@
2. com.
3. Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health and Disease, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Precise Protection and Promotion of Fertility, Hangzhou 310016, China.
4. Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health and Disease, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Precise Protection and Promotion of Fertility, Hangzhou 310016, China. 3406028@zju.edu.cn.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Assisted reproduction technology;
Early embryo development;
Extracellular vesicles;
MicroRNA;
Review;
Signal transduction
- From:
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences
2025;():1-13
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles secreted by cells, including exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, which play critical roles in intercellular communication, material transport, and signal transduction. In recent years, increasing evidence has highlighted the essential function of EVs in early embryo development. By carrying bioactive molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids (e.g., mRNA and miRNA), and lipids, EVs regulate embryonic gene expression, cell proliferation, differentiation, and the microenvironment. Studies have shown that EVs derived from various segments of the female reproductive tract can enhance embryonic developmental potential, improve embryo quality, and facilitate implantation. Additionally, EVs secreted by embryos themselves participate in intercellular communication and play pivotal roles during embryogenesis. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the functions of EVs in early embryo development, discusses their roles in mediating cell-cell communication and regulating gene expression, and explores their potential applica-tions in reproductive medicine and clinical practice, offering new perspectives for optimizing assisted reproductive technologies.
