Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesRegenerative Biomedicine3060-71161420251213Multi-Tissue ceRNA Network Elucidates Exosome-Mediated Pathogenesis of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency with Implications for the Stem Cell Niche25026645910.22034/jrb.2025.12.V1I4A1ENSeyedeh MahdiehMoghimi-MoghadamAbortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranDepartment of Biology, Yazd University, Yazd, IranAmirrezaCheraghinikAbortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranZahraAhmadniaAbortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranSeyed MehdiHoseiniHematology and Oncology Research Center, Non-communicable Diseases Research Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranBiotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranFatemeMontazeriAbortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, IranJournal Article20251028Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) remains a significant cause of female infertility, yet its molecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. This study employed an integrative bioinformatics approach using multiple GEO datasets to construct a comprehensive ceRNA network across granulosa cells, cumulus cells, and exosomal miRNAs in POI. We identified distinct molecular signatures: granulosa cells showed cell cycle disruption, while cumulus cells exhibited differentiation pathway dysregulation. The core ceRNA network revealed 4 lncRNAs potentially regulating 31 mRNAs through sponging 4 key miRNAs (miR-423-5p, miR-106b-5p, miR-452-5p, and miR-3613-5p). Functional enrichment of these mRNAs implicated key stem cell-related pathways, including pluripotency and Hippo signaling. These findings provide novel insights into POI pathogenesis through exosome-mediated regulatory mechanisms, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for ovarian dysfunction and highlighting specific implications for the ovarian stem cell niche.https://jrb.ssu.ac.ir/article_459_1fd9fae21cf8248ee54a5337ee57dbd7.pdfStem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesRegenerative Biomedicine3060-71161420251201Exosomes: the Future of Stem Cell Therapy in the Female Reproductive System26727246010.22034/jrb.2025.12.V1I4A2ENElhamAfkhamiAnatomical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranMansourehMovahedinAnatomical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranMortezaAnvariBiotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranMahboobehEbrahimi VarkianiApplied Cell Sciences Division, Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranBehrouzAflatoonianStem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranResearch and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranDepartment of Reproductive Biology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranJournal Article20251008Exosomes (Exos) are extracellular nanovesicles that are released from almost all cells. Events such as disposal of waste proteins, antigen supply, immune response, angiogenesis, inflammation, metastasis, spread of pathogens and many other activities, including the roles of these vesicles, depend on their content in the body. The growth and function of multicellular tissue requires intercellular communication, so Exos are one of the strategies for cellular cross‐talk. Recent studies have shown that during implantation, Exos can participate in the complex dialogue between the embryo and maternal tissues. Here, we review the state of research on exosomes in diseases related to the female reproductive tract, focusing on their biological role in follicogenesis, early embryonic development, as well as the implantation process. Isolation and use of Exos compared to cell therapy has significant advantages, such as: increased stability, reduced contamination of the culture medium, non-rejection of cells due to surface markers participating in the immune system, non-tumorigenesis and reduced problems in maintenance, and their displacement has been noticed in recent years.https://jrb.ssu.ac.ir/article_460_2056f5f62ea7a1382f6c553a71992f99.pdfStem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesRegenerative Biomedicine3060-71161420251201Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Spinal Cord Injury: Mechanisms and Recent Advances27328646110.22034/jrb.2025.12.V1I4A3ENNiloofarKhandan-NasabStem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Mashhad, IranDepartment of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranFatemehKuchakzadeBiotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranTissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Medical Technologies, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranNooshinAhmadiradCellular and Molecular Research Center، Iran University Of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranHamidehBabalooBiotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranTissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Medical Technologies, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranJournal Article20251103Spinal cord injury is a devastating neurological condition that leads to severe motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunctions below the site of damage, profoundly affecting patients’ quality of life. Despite extensive research, no effective curative treatment currently exists. Conventional therapeutic approaches such as surgical decompression, corticosteroid administration, and intensive rehabilitation primarily aim to reduce inflammation and prevent secondary injury but remain insufficient to promote neural regeneration or functional recovery. In recent years, stem cell–based therapy has emerged as a promising and multidimensional regenerative strategy for repairing injured spinal tissue. The therapeutic benefits of stem cells are mediated through mechanisms including neuronal replacement, modulation of the inflammatory microenvironment, neuroprotection, angiogenesis, and secretion of neurotrophic and growth factors that enhance axonal regeneration. Various types of stem cells—such as mesenchymal stem cells, neural stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and human endometrial stem cells—have been investigated for spinal cord repair, each offering distinct biological advantages as well as translational challenges related to survival, differentiation, and ethical or immunological concerns. Moreover, recent integration of biomaterial scaffolds and three-dimensional bioengineered constructs has further improved the efficacy of stem cell delivery and engraftment within the injured spinal cord. This review provides an overview of the recent advances in stem cell–based therapies for spinal cord injury, highlights the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms, and discusses emerging bioengineering strategies that may optimize functional recovery and accelerate clinical translation in regenerative medicine.https://jrb.ssu.ac.ir/article_461_ddcd14d3324b3aa0c5bac5ffbbebef31.pdfStem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesRegenerative Biomedicine3060-71161420251214Recent Application of Polycaprolactone Scaffolds and Its Composites for Tissue Engineering: a Review28730446210.22034/jrb.2025.12.V1I4A4ENFatemehKuchakzadeBiotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran2Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Medical Technologies, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranElhamVojoudiRegenerative Medicine, Organ Procurement and Transplantation Multi-Disciplinary Centre, School of Medicine, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, IranMarziehMehrafzaMehr Fertility Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, IranLeylaFath-BayatiDepartment of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, IranMonaNavaei-NigjehPharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, IranDepartment of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, IranNooshinAhmadiradCellular and Molecular Research Center، Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranHamidehBabaloo1. Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
2. Biotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi UniversityJournal Article20251111Polycaprolactone is a synthetic aliphatic polyester that has gained extensive attention in tissue engineering because of its excellent biodegradability, biocompatibility, and processability. Its mechanical strength, flexibility, and slow degradation rate make it a suitable candidate for constructing scaffolds with controllable porosity and architecture. This review highlights recent advancements in polycaprolactone-based nanofiber scaffolds and their composites for regenerating various tissues, including bone, cartilage and ligament, liver, cardiovascular, nerve, corneal, and skin. In bone and cartilage engineering, electrospun polycaprolactone fibers blended with ceramics or natural polymers such as collagen, chitosan, gelatin, or hydroxyapatite have enhanced osteoconductivity, chondrogenic differentiation, and mechanical stability. In hepatic and cardiac applications, polycaprolactone composites integrated with conductive polymers, extracellular matrix components, or nanoparticles have improved bioactivity, angiogenesis, and electrical conductivity. Furthermore, in neural and corneal tissue regeneration, aligned and surface-modified polycaprolactone nanofibers have promoted cell attachment, neurite extension, and corneal transparency. In skin tissue engineering, hybrid scaffolds incorporating bioactive agents such as aloe vera or curcumin demonstrated accelerated wound healing, fibroblast proliferation, and reduced inflammation. Despite the progress achieved, challenges remain regarding limited hydrophilicity, slow degradation rate, and the need for optimized cell–biomaterial interactions. Future research should focus on combining polycaprolactone with natural biopolymers and nanoscale modifications to develop biointeractive scaffolds with enhanced regenerative capacity. Overall, polycaprolactone and its composites represent a versatile and promising platform for the next generation of biomimetic scaffolds in regenerative medicine and tissue repair.https://jrb.ssu.ac.ir/article_462_c9d7184badb2778866a9cd3b02bcd517.pdfStem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesRegenerative Biomedicine3060-71161420251214Tissue Engineering Approaches for Restoring Ovarian Function in Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: Current Advances and Future Perspectives30533446310.22034/jrb.2025.12.V1I4A5ENFatemehKuchakzadeBiotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranJournal Article20250719POI is a complex disorder characterized by the loss of normal ovarian function before the age of 40, profoundly affecting fertility, hormonal regulation, and overall quality of life. Current therapeutic approaches, including hormone replacement therapy and oocyte donation, primarily manage symptoms and are unable to restore the physiological function of the ovaries. Despite notable advancements, several challenges remain, such as ensuring the long-term safety of cell transplantation, achieving precise control over stem cell differentiation, and minimizing the potential risk of malignancies. Tissue engineering, as a rapidly evolving field in regenerative medicine, offers a promising strategy to overcome these limitations. By integrating stem cells, biomaterial scaffolds, and growth factors, tissue engineering aims to reconstruct the natural architecture and function of ovarian tissue. This approach holds potential for addressing hormonal imbalances, metabolic disturbances, and infertility issues caused by POI. This review examines the latest progress in ovarian tissue engineering, highlighting the roles of different components in ovarian regeneration and discussing remaining technical and clinical challenges. By providing a comprehensive overview, this work emphasizes the potential of tissue engineering to form the basis for future regenerative therapies, ultimately improving reproductive health and enhancing the quality of life for women affected by POI.https://jrb.ssu.ac.ir/article_463_7397121a835c58d94815ec2314cd2b8e.pdfStem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesRegenerative Biomedicine3060-71161420251214Highlights from the Stem Cell Session of the 11th Yazd International Congress and Student Award in Reproductive Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences33533946410.22034/jrb.2025.12.V1I4A6ENFatemehHajizadeh-TaftiStem Cell Biology Research Center,
Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute,
Shahid Sadoughi University of
Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranJournal Article20251130This paper summarizes the proceedings of the Stem Cell Session of the “11<sup>th</sup> Yazd International Congress and Student Award on Reproductive Medicine” held at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, on May 15, 2025. The session brought together distinguished national and international experts to present and discuss advances and their studies in stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and reproductive medicine. Topics covered included in vitro gametogenesis and metabolite profiling, tissue-engineered therapeutic strategies for infertility, the role of extracellular vesicles in spermatogenesis, innovative tissue engineering approaches for azoospermia, and the therapeutic potential of exosome-based treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome. Additionally, emerging research on human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiovascular cells for disease modeling and regenerative repair, as well as the molecular epidemiology of reproductive infectious diseases and cancers, was discussed. Collectively, the presentations highlighted the translational potential of stem cell and tissue engineering research in addressing infertility and advancing reproductive health.https://jrb.ssu.ac.ir/article_464_3f8efcf7889cde9550217962293af3bf.pdfStem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesRegenerative Biomedicine3060-71161420251214Electrospinning Technology Application in Reproductive Sciences: Report of a one- day workshop held at Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd, 12th May 202534034346510.22034/jrb.2025.12.V1I4A7ENAkramNadiStem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranJournal Article20250821A one-day workshop with the title "Electrospinning Technology Application in Reproductive Sciences" was held on May 12, 2025, at the initiative of the Stem Cell Biology Research Center, which is based in the Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd, Iran. The purpose of this report is to provide a concise summary of the workshop. During this workshop, participants were given an introduction to the subject of tissue engineering, as well as an explanation of the significance of this field in relation to the reproductive system. Additionally, participants formulated solutions with suitable concentrations of chitosan and polycaprolactone and fabricated nanofiber scaffolds utilizing an electrospinning apparatus. Then, methods for sterilizing and crosslinking nanofiber scaffolds for use in in vitro and in vivo studies are detailed here. Also, they acquired information on how to utilize the ImageJ software to determine the diameter of the generated nanofibers.https://jrb.ssu.ac.ir/article_465_27e303e148f94af71728b3d6197105d3.pdfStem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesRegenerative Biomedicine3060-71161420251214Human Embryonic and Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Report of a 1-day workshop held at Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd, on 14th May 202534434746610.22034/jrb.2025.12.V1I4A8ENMahdiehKarimiStem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranJournal Article20250923This report provides a brief summary of the proceedings from one-day workshop entitled “Human Embryonic and Mesenchymal Stem Cells” held at the Stem Cell Biology Research Center based in Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran on 14<sup>th</sup> May 2025. This workshop introduced participants to the biological characteristics, culture methods and laboratory handling of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). ESCs are derived from the inner cell mass during the blastocyst stage of the developing embryo <em>in vitro</em>. They are pluripotent and can theoretically give rise to any type of cells and also provide an ideal screening tool for potential drugs in the pharmaceutical industry and allow the study of early human development and infant cancers. Co-culture with a feeder layer of inactivated human or mouse embryonic fibroblasts is the conventional method for the hESCs culture and expansion that providing a facile stem cell expansion system with continuous medium conditioning while effectively preventing the interaction between hESCs and feeder cells. MSCs as a representative of adult stem cells can be isolated from almost all tissues and effectively expanded <em>in vitro.</em> These <em>in vitro</em> expanded cells have been shown to possess the potential to differentiate into specific cell lineages.https://jrb.ssu.ac.ir/article_466_3f691716bdfbcea611eb9f0a90ee9ed2.pdf