Metabolic and Microenvironmental Regulation in Ovarian Function and Fertility Preservation

The ovary represents a dynamic and metabolically active organ whose function relies on the intricate communication between oocytes, granulosa cells, stromal components, immune cells, and extracellular matrix elements. Recent studies have illuminated how metabolic imbalances—such as altered glucose and lipid metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis—undermine ovarian health, leading to accelerated aging, diminished ovarian reserve, and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). The ovarian microenvironment, encompassing immune and paracrine regulators, serves as a decisive factor in sustaining follicular development and oocyte quality, yet its role in metabolic adaptation and dysfunction remains imperfectly defined. Despite substantial progress driven by single-cell and multi-omics technologies, key questions persist regarding how metabolic remodeling and microenvironmental dysregulation collectively orchestrate ovarian aging and fertility decline. Bridging these knowledge gaps is crucial for developing innovative, targeted approaches to ovarian protection and reproductive longevity.This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of how metabolic pathways and microenvironmental cues intersect to regulate ovarian physiology, aging, and fertility preservation. It seeks to unravel the mechanistic interdependencies between metabolic remodeling, immune modulation, and stromal-epithelial interactions through the integration of omics technologies, advanced imaging, and translational research. Key goals include identifying molecular signatures predictive of ovarian decline, clarifying the contribution of microenvironmental shifts to follicular depletion, and evaluating novel interventions—such as stem cell therapies, metabolic modulation, and tissue engineering—that restore ovarian homeostasis and preserve fertility potential.To gather further insights into the metabolic and microenvironmental determinants of ovarian function and reproductive health, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Metabolic reprogramming in ovarian aging and POI, including glucose, lipid, amino acid, and mitochondrial metabolism.o Ovarian microenvironment remodeling, immune-metabolic interactions, and inflammatory regulation.o Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and other cell death mechanisms in ovarian physiology and pathology.o Granulosa cell dysfunction, follicular atresia, and oocyte quality control mechanisms.o Single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and multi-omics approaches in ovarian biology.o Biomarker discovery and translational therapeutic targets for ovarian protection.o Stem cell-based therapies, ovarian tissue engineering, and fertility-preserving interventions.o Novel metabolic and microenvironmental pathways in reproductive aging and ovarian rejuvenation. Topic editors: Ping Li, Gendie Lash Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82585/metabolic-and-microenvironmental-regulation-in-ovarian-function-and-fertility-preservation