Emre Seli։ Examining the Future of Mitochondria-Targeted Therapies in Reproductive Medicine
Emre Seli, Division Chief of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Medical Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Yale School of Medicine, shared a post on LinkedIn about a paper he co-authored with colleagues published in Human Reproduction:
“I’m pleased to share our new publication in Human Reproduction: ՛Mitochondria – targeted therapeutic strategies in assisted reproduction: challenges and potential solutions,’ a Directions article examining the future of mitochondria – targeted therapies in reproductive medicine.
Mitochondria play a central role in oocyte competence and early embryonic development, with functions extending well beyond energy production – including regulation of redox homeostasis, apoptosis, and cellular aging. As mitochondrial dysfunction becomes increasingly recognized as a contributor to diminished ovarian reserve, impaired embryo development, and reproductive aging, there is growing interest in therapies designed to restore or improve mitochondrial function.
In this article, we discuss the opportunities and challenges surrounding approaches ranging from pharmacologic strategies – including CoQ10, mitoquinone, resveratrol, rapamycin, and NAD⁺ precursors – to mitochondrial replacement techniques such as maternal spindle and pronuclear transfer.
Importantly, we consider why promising preclinical findings have not yet consistently translated into clinical benefit. We highlight the importance of identifying well – defined therapeutic targets, intervening at the biologically appropriate developmental window, using physiologically relevant experimental models, and conducting sufficiently powered and standardized clinical studies.
Safety must remain central, particularly for interventions with pleiotropic effects or potential heritable consequences.
The goal of a Directions article is not simply to summarize where the field stands, but to stimulate thinking about where it should go next. We were honored that Human Reproduction selected our manuscript for this relatively new format, with only a limited number of Directions articles published each year.
Most importantly, we are very grateful to the editorial team for their thoughtful guidance throughout the process. Through multiple rounds of revision and discussion, their input helped shape the final manuscript into a piece that we hope serves the journal’s vision and, most importantly, contributes to the ongoing discussion about the future of mitochondria-based therapies in reproductive medicine.
Thank you to all of the coauthors who contributed to this work and to Human Reproduction for the opportunity to explore where this rapidly evolving field may be heading.”
Title: Mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies in assisted reproduction: challenges and potential solutions.
Authors: Raziye Melike Yildirim, Gizem Nur Sahin, Richard T Scott, Emre Seli.
You can read the Full Article in Human Reproduction.
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