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Genomics of embryology

Guest Editor:

Zhenkui Qin, PhD, Ocean University of China, China

Embryology serves as the key to unlocking the intricate molecular mechanisms orchestrating cell formation and differentiation during early development. The advent of advanced genomic approaches and sequencing technologies has significantly enriched our understanding of these processes. BMC Genomics invited submissions to our Collection, Genomics of embryology. This collection aimed to showcase innovative research delving into genomic mechanisms shaping early cell differentiation, signaling pathways, epigenomic regulation, and comparative genomics across species.


New Content ItemThis Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good health and well-being

Meet the Guest Editor

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Zhenkui Qin, PhD, Ocean University of China, China

Dr Qin is an associate professor in the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China. He got his PhD degree from Auburn University, USA in 2015. His research interests lie in the fields of genetic and developmental biology of marine invertebrates, with a focus on reproductive and embryonic development.

About the Collection

Embryology serves as the key to unlocking the intricate molecular mechanisms orchestrating cell formation and differentiation during early development. The advent of advanced genomic approaches and sequencing technologies has significantly enriched our understanding of these processes. Exploring the intricate genomic details of embryonic development can shed some light on the fascinating mechanisms that drive the differentiation of a single cell into a whole new and complete organism. Understanding these processes has been instrumental in uncovering the genetic foundations of developmental disorders and congenital anomalies. This knowledge holds significant implications for advancing clinical diagnostics and guiding therapeutic interventions. In addition, comparisons between embryological development in different species can also inform the evolution of embryology itself through the ages.

A deeper exploration into the genomic underpinnings of embryogenesis, spanning both human and animal models, therefore offers insights into the conserved principles governing development across species. Furthermore, breakthroughs in understanding embryogenesis in preliminary model organisms, such as echinoderms, zebrafish, or fruit flies, have paved the way for comparative analyses. This approach provides valuable perspectives on the evolution of developmental processes, unraveling shared genetic elements and unique adaptations.

In support of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), ‘Good health and well-being’, BMC Genomics invites submissions for our upcoming Collection, Genomics of embryology. This collection aims to showcase innovative research delving into genomic mechanisms shaping early cell differentiation, signaling pathways, epigenomic regulation, and comparative genomics across species. We invite researchers and experts in the field to submit original research articles that explore, but are not limited to, the following topics:

  • Single-cell omics in embryogenesis
  • Epigenetic landscape of early development
  • Comparative genomics across species
  • Genomic insights into developmental signaling
  • Functional genomics of embryonic stem cells
  • Genomic basis of neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Evolutionary genomics of embryonic development
  • Genomic approaches to studying limb development
  • Chromatin architecture in embryogenesis
  • Genomic insights into transcriptional regulations during embryogenesis
  • Genomic basis of germ cell origin and differentiation
     

Image credit: Natalia Sinjushina / stock.adobe.com

  1. Tyrosine is a prerequisite for melanin biosynthesis and plays a crucial role in the growth and development of melanocytes, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In our previous research, we added 10− 9-1...

    Authors: Zhiyuan Zhang, Pengwei Zhang, Fumin He, Yingdong Hou, Xiaowen Geng, Ruilong Xu, Ruiting Li, Yadong Tian, Wenting Li, Guirong Sun, Ruirui Jiang, Xiaojun Liu, Ruili Han, Guoxi Li, Xiangtao Kang and Donghua Li
    Citation: BMC Genomics 2025 26:348
    Content type: Research Published on:

  2. Oocyte competence for early embryo development relies on intercellular communication between the maturing oocyte and preovulatory follicle. Preovulatory follicle maturity, as indicated by serum estradiol conce...

    Authors: Allyson E. Stokes, Hannah M. Clark, J. Lannett Edwards, Rebecca R. Payton, Jon E. Beever, Trevor F. Freeman, Emma A. Hessock, F. Neal Schrick and Sarah E. Moorey
    Citation: BMC Genomics 2025 26:339
    Content type: Research Published on:

  3. Oocyte maturation is crucial for female fertility and embryonic development, encompassing nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Supportive cells of follicles, such as granulosa cells, are essential for oocyte gr...

    Authors: Yibo Wang, Yichuan Zhang, Tianjie Li, Yun Ren, Ping Zhou, Lin Fu, Chenxi Xiao, Ziying Huang, Hanji Huang, Wenfeng Xie, Yuxin Luo, Yanan Qi, Hongcui Zhao, Yang Yu, Yong Fan and Heng Pan
    Citation: BMC Genomics 2025 26:270
    Content type: Research Published on:

  4. Cell differentiation during development is orchestrated by precisely coordinated gene expression programs. While some regulatory mechanisms are well understood, there is a significant room to explore unresolve...

    Authors: Rubens Gomes-Júnior, Cintia Delai da Silva Horinouchi, Aruana Fagundes Fiuza Hansel-Fröse, Annanda Lyra Ribeiro, Isabela Tiemy Pereira, Lucia Spangenberg and Bruno Dallagiovanna
    Citation: BMC Genomics 2025 26:225
    Content type: Research Published on:

  5. Livestock, particularly cattle, are crucial for biotechnology fields, such as genetic breeding, infectious diseases, bioreactors, and specific disease models. However, genetic engineering in cattle has lagged ...

    Authors: Dong-Hyeok Kwon, Gyeong-Min Gim, Soo-Young Yum, Kyeong-Hyeon Eom, Song-Jeon Lee, Sang-Eun Han, Hee-Soo Kim, Hyeong-Jong Kim, Woo-Sung Lee, Woo-Jae Choi, Ji-Hyun Lee, Do-Yoon Kim, Dae-Jin Jung, Dae-Hyun Kim, Jun-Koo Yi, Byeong-Ho Moon…
    Citation: BMC Genomics 2025 26:217
    Content type: Research Published on:

  6. Left–right (LR) asymmetry disorders present a complex etiology, with genetic factors emerging as a primary contributor. This study aims to explore the genetic underpinnings of chromosomal variants and individu...

    Authors: Yu Qin, Muon Senglong, Koksear Touch, Juan Xiao, Ruijie Fang, Qingling kang, Lei Fan, Shufang Li, Jing Liu, Jianli Wu, Yuanyuan Wu, Xinwei Shi, Haiyi Liu, Xun Gong, Xingguang Lin, Ling Feng…
    Citation: BMC Genomics 2025 26:82
    Content type: Research Published on:

  7. Rising seawater temperatures increasingly threaten coral reefs. The ability of coral larvae to withstand heat is crucial for maintaining reef ecosystems. Although several studies have investigated coral larvae...

    Authors: Cristiana Manullang, Nozomi Hanahara, Ariyo Imanuel Tarigan, Yuko Abe, Mao Furukawa and Masaya Morita
    Citation: BMC Genomics 2025 26:36
    Content type: Research Published on:

  8. In this study, we applied comparative transcriptomics and proteomics techniques to systematically investigate the dynamic expression patterns of genes and proteins at various stages of early embryonic developm...

    Authors: Fengxiao Lv, Xinfan Ge, Yaqing Chang and Zhenlin Hao
    Citation: BMC Genomics 2024 25:1221
    Content type: Research Published on:

  9. Over the course of evolution, insects have seen drastic changes in their mode of development. While insects with derived modes of development have been studied extensively, information on ancestral modes of de...

    Authors: Wouter P. D. Makkinje, Sabrina Simon, Inge Breukink, Patrick Verbaarschot, Ryuichiro Machida, M. Eric Schranz and Robin van Velzen
    Citation: BMC Genomics 2024 25:1177
    Content type: Research Published on:

  10. Hb H disease is the most severe form of α-thalassemia compatible with post-natal life. Compound heterozygous α0-thalassemia− SEA deletion/α+-thalassemia− 3.7kb deletion is the commonest cause of Hb H disease in T...

    Authors: Pannarai Somboonchai, Pimlak Charoenkwan, Sirivipa Piyamongkol, Worashorn Lattiwongsakorn, Tawiwan Pantasri and Wirawit Piyamongkol
    Citation: BMC Genomics 2024 25:668
    Content type: Research Published on:

Submission Guidelines

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This Collection welcomes submission of original Research Articles. Should you wish to submit a different article type, please read our submission guidelines to confirm that type is accepted by the journal. Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system, Snapp. During the submission process you will be asked whether you are submitting to a Collection, please select "Genomics of embryology" from the dropdown menu.

Articles will undergo the journal’s standard peer-review process and are subject to all of the journal’s standard policies. Articles will be added to the Collection as they are published.

The Editors have no competing interests with the submissions which they handle through the peer review process. The peer review of any submissions for which the Editors have competing interests is handled by another Editorial Board Member who has no competing interests.