Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #427529
Research Project: Biophotonics - Emerging Imaging Technologies for Food Animal Research

Location: Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit

Title: Unlocking Gamete Quality Through Extracellular Vesicles: Emerging Perspectives

Author
item DLAMINI, NOTSILE - Mississippi State University
item BRIDI, ALESSANDRA - University Of Santa Catarina
item DA SILVEIRA, JULIANO - University Of São Paulo
item FEUGANG, JEAN - Mississippi State University

Submitted to: Biology
Publication Type: Literature Review
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/12/2025
Publication Date: 2/13/2025
Citation: Dlamini, N.H., Bridi, A., Da Silveira, J.C., Feugang, J.M. 2025. Unlocking Gamete Quality Through Extracellular Vesicles: Emerging Perspectives. Biology. 14(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14020198.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14020198

Interpretive Summary: Research indicates that seminal plasma is essential for creating an optimal environment for spermatozoa, thereby enhancing sperm function and fertility. Effective communication among sperm cells, developing embryos, and maternal tissues is critical for successful pregnancies. Small extracellular vesicles play a significant role in these interactions, contributing to reproductive processes and supporting embryo development. This review underscores the importance of small extracellular vesicles in improving gamete quality in both males and females across various species, highlighting their crucial role in reproductive success.

Technical Abstract: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are gaining recognition for their essential role in enhancing gamete quality and improving outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies. These nanosized particles, released by cells, carry proteins, lipids, and RNAs, facilitating critical cell communication and offering the potential to enhance gamete maturation and improve fertilization rates. Most research on males has concentrated on seminal plasma, a complex fluid produced by the testes and accessory glands vital in modulating sperm fertility potential. The components of seminal plasma significantly affect sperm functionality, embryo survival, and placental development, making this a prominent area of interest in reproductive biology. The EVs within seminal plasma contribute to maintaining sperm membrane stability, enhancing motility, and promoting capacitation, which may influence the female reproductive tract following mating. In females, EVs have been identified in both the follicular and uterine environments, where effective embryo–maternal communication is crucial. The oviduct epithelium supports gamete transport and early embryonic development, with EVs found in oviductal fluid playing a key role in reproductive processes. These EVs support the embryo’s growth in the nutrient-rich uterine environment. These important studies underscore the significant role of EVs in transporting essential molecular compounds to gametes and embryos, leading to an enhanced understanding and potential manipulation of reproductive processes. This review aims to summarize the current research on the benefits of EVs in gamete manipulation and embryo development, highlighting their promising implications for reproductive health.