Gametogenesis and Development of Reproductive Systems – GDRS
NOTE: Ends after the May 2026 Council Round meetings. This study section was evaluated as part of CSR’s ENQUIRE process, which functions to align study sections with advances in science. Learn more about ENQUIRE.
The Gametogenesis and Development of Reproductive Systems (GDRS) study section reviews grant applications concerned with the molecular, cellular, genomic, (reproductive) endocrine, development and physiological aspects of reproductive biology in mammalian and model organism systems. Emphasis is on an integrative experimental approach to elucidate basic mechanisms controlling fertility.
Review Dates
Topics
- Development and function of the male and female gonads (testis and ovary), including the endocrine and cell signaling regulation in these tissues regarding the production of functional gametes, soma-germ cell interactions.
- Germ stem cell biology including stem cell niches in the gonads, cellular and molecular processes involved in sex-determination; embryonic stem cells, nuclear reprogramming, and epigenetic mechanisms.
- Differentiation and maturation of male and female germ cells, which includes: the cellular, molecular, genomic, endocrine, and epigenetic mechanisms involved in spermatogenesis and oogenesis; also included is meiosis, reproductive aging in both male and female gametes, and sperm motility.
- Fertilization, which includes sperm capacitation, sperm-zona pellucida binding, and sperm-egg fusion; also included are artificial reproductive techniques, in vitro gametogenesis, cryopreservation of gametes and pre-implantation embryos, male and female infertility, and the identification and role of possible contraceptive targets.
- Embryo implantation which includes uterine receptivity and initial embryo/maternal tissue interactions; also included is pre-implantation embryo development encompassing zygotic gene activation and epigenetic/imprinting mechanisms.
Early stages of trophoblasts development and differentiation to include organoid models of early implantation.
Shared Interests and Overlaps
There are shared interests with Cell Fate, Stem Cells, and Regeneration (CFSR) in the investigation of germ stem cell biology. Applications that focus on germ stem cell niche and germ stem cell differentiation may be reviewed in CFSR, whereas applications that focus on germ cell biology, such as meiosis, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and fertilization may be reviewed in GDRS.
There are shared interests with Tissue Formation and Organogenesis (TFO) in the cellular mechanisms of embryonic development. Applications that focus on embryo development, gastrulation, and somatic stem cell biology in a developmental context may be reviewed in TFO, whereas applications that focus on embryo development through blastulation and pre-implantation may be reviewed in GDRS.
There are shared interests with Pregnancy and Neonatology (PN) in the biology of trophoblast development. Applications that focus on trophoblast invasion and differentiation may be reviewed in PN, whereas applications that focus on pre-implantation trophoblast development may be reviewed in GDRS.
