Call for papers—shaping reproduction in 3D: organoids, assembloids, and emerging models

Molecular Human Reproduction (MHR) is committed to publishing scientific research highlighting the foundational and translational mechanisms of mammalian reproduction. The advent of three-dimensional (3D) so-called ‘–oid’ models has opened an exciting new era in the field of reproductive science, allowing scientists to study the complexity of cellular interactions within tissue systems in vitro, in real time, and at a sub-cellular resolution across many different species. In line with our mission to highlight emerging technologies in the field of reproductive sciences, MHR is excited to announce a new open call for Original Research Articles, Concise Communications, Reviews, and Commentaries that feature the multi-faceted development and application of 3D ‘-oid’ models as they relate to the field for reproductive medicine. Historically, in vivo models have been crucial to deciphering the bi-directional communication that is essential for patterning of the reproductive tract and pregnancy establishment (Cunh et al., 1981; Wetendorf and DeMayo, 2012). Likewise, classic models of development, including culture systems for ovarian follicles in engineered alginate matrices and endometrial tissue explants, were widely used (Pangas et al., 2003; Kreeger et al., 2006; West et al., 2007; Moser et al., 2010). However, the rise of 3D organ culture systems—including organoids, assembloids, blastoids, and gastruloids—is transforming the landscape of reproductive science. Modern ‘-oid’ systems for the study of reproduction gained traction after laboratories independently published landmark papers showing that hormone-responsive endometrial epithelium could be cultured and continuously maintained ex vivo (Boretto et al., 2017; Turco et al., 2017). Endometrial organoids have quickly become a staple in uterine biology research, enabling the study of reproductive pathologies such as endometriosis, endometrial cancer, infertility (Boretto et al., 2019), and excess androgens/polycystic ovarian syndrome (Wiwatpanit et al., 2020; Luyckx et al., 2025). Accordingly, 3D in vitro organoid models have advanced to be more complex than a simple ‘pre- in vivo’ screening model, including the generation of stromal and epithelial endometrial ‘assembloids’ that allow for the ex vivo study of cellular crosstalk in decidualization and implantation (Rawlings et al., 2021). The application of 3D ‘-oid’ models has also fueled the rapid growth of early pre-implantation and post-implantation embryonic development, where pluripotent stem cells can be induced to differentiate into embryo-like blastoid or gastruloid structures (Kagawa et al., 2022; Abilez et al., 2025).