Extracellular Vesicles in Human Reproduction: Integrating Redox–Mitochondrial Signaling with Multi-Omics and AI-Driven Biomarker Discovery

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Authors: Sofoklis Stavros, Angeliki Gerede, Efthalia Moustakli, Athanasios Zikopoulos, Ioannis Tsakiridis, Christina Messini, Anastasios Potiris, Ismini Anagnostaki, Ioannis Arkoulis, Spyridon Topis, Themistoklis Dagklis, Dimitrios Loutradis
Cited by: 1
References: 189

Abstract

In the human reproductive system, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as playing a vital role in mediating cell-cell communication. They are considered critical for embryo development, implantation, gamete interaction, and fertilization. The various cargoes carried by EVs, depending on the physiological and pathological state of the cell, include proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and mitochondrial components. EVs are recognized as critical carriers of redox-related signals and mitochondrial components, linking oxidative stress (OS) to reproductive failure and influencing gamete quality and embryo competence. Although considerable progress has been made, research remains poorly integrated, despite individual omics technologies providing valuable molecular insights. The use of multi-omics technologies, including transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome analysis, has been proposed as a global approach to understanding the complexities associated with EVs and discovering new biomarkers associated with infertility. ML and AI have been proposed to identify predictive signatures linked to ART effectiveness and reproductive outcomes, with a strong capacity to handle high-dimensional data. The review aims to provide an overview of current knowledge on EV-mediated redox-mitochondrial signaling in human reproduction, while highlighting the importance of emerging multi-omics and AI technologies for EV-mediated biomarker development. The review discusses the promise of EVs in the development of minimally invasive diagnostic approaches and therapeutic interventions, as well as the challenges in the standardization, integration, and clinical translation of EV-mediated research. In addition, the review proposes integrating computational approaches to better understand molecular pathways involved in the development of next-generation precision medicine in human reproduction.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Extracellular vesicles in disease Reproductive Biology and Fertility Sperm and Testicular Function

Publication details

Journal / source
Cells
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
15
Issue
10
Pages
955–955
Publication date
21 May 2026
Language
EN