Embryonic Development News and Research

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Embryonic development or embryogenesis is the process by which the embryo is formed and develops. It starts with the fertilization of the ovum, egg, which, after fertilization, is then called a zygote. The zygote undergoes rapid mitotic divisions, the formation of two exact genetic replicates of the original cell, with no significant growth (a process known as cleavage) and cellular differentiation, leading to development of an embryo.

Study reveals mechanisms behind increased risk of thrombosis in patients with malignant brain tumours

Patients with malignant brain tumours have an increased risk of thrombosis. Up until now we did not understand the mechanisms behind this.

16 Mar 2017

Notch activity of cells in tumor microenvironment can influence cancer metastases, study shows

Blood vessels play a critical role in the growth and spread of cancer. The cells lining the inner wall of blood vessels (endothelial cells) and cancer cells are in close contact to each other and mutually influence each other.

3 Mar 2017

Researchers to examine link between zinc deficiency, Hedgehog, and prostate cancer

Experiments show that Hedgehog signaling - a chain of molecular events critical in embryonic development - creates conditions beneficial to the unregulated cell growth associated with cancer in adults.

28 Feb 2017

Scientists unravel mechanism of rare, early phenomenon that can affect human development

The genetic material of an organism encodes the instructions that guide its development. These codes are not written in stone; they can change or mutate any time during the life of the organism.

24 Feb 2017

LMU study shows crucial role of microRNAs in protecting precursors of neurons

Programmed cell death is an integral part of embryonic development. Exploring the regulation of the process, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet in Munich researchers have shown that so-called microRNAs protect the precursors of neurons from 'precocious' elimination.

13 Feb 2017

Studies open new windows into understanding untreatable group of common genetic disorders

Two Princeton University studies are opening important new windows into understanding an untreatable group of common genetic disorders known as RASopathies that are characterized by distinct facial features, developmental delays, cognitive impairment and heart problems.

7 Feb 2017

Researchers create first animal model of rare disease linked to problem of adrenal glands

The name of the gene is Armc5, for Armadillo repeat containing 5. Until now, its function was unknown. After 10 years of research, a team at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centrehas succeeded in deleting this gene in experimental mice and discovered that its loss gives rise to a heretofore unidentified syndrome.

7 Feb 2017

Transporters of thyroid hormones play key role in development of the brain, study finds

Thyroid hormones are very important for the development of the brain. And when the transporters of these hormones are not functioning properly, the consequences for the development of the cerebellum or 'the little brain' are very serious.

6 Feb 2017

Johns Hopkins scientists reveal extra centrosomes can promote tumor formation in mice

When a cell is dividing, two identical structures, called centrosomes, move to opposite sides of the cell to help separate its chromosomes into the new cells.

28 Jan 2017

Study identifies conserved role for Ovo protein in controlling germline development in mice and fruit flies

Germline cells are the only cells that develop into eggs or sperm, while somatic cells develop into the body. Progenitors of the germline, known as primordial germ cells (PGCs), differentiate into eggs or sperm after embryonic development.

24 Jan 2017

Study identifies molecular signals that maintain nerve cell structures in the adult brain

Humans and other vertebrates depend on a portion of the brain called the hippocampus for learning, memory and their sense of location. Nerve cell structures in the adult hippocampus are sustained by factors whose identities have remained largely mysterious so far.

19 Jan 2017

TMDU researchers identify metabolic pathway crucial for embryo development

Much has been revealed about how a single fertilized cell, the egg, can develop into a complete organism simply via repeated cycles of cell division. However, many gaps remain in our understanding of how these dividing cells are directed to arrange themselves appropriately at each stage of embryonic development.

18 Jan 2017

Scientists use pluripotent stem cells to generate human stomach tissues in laboratory

Scientists report in Nature using pluripotent stem cells to generate human stomach tissues in a petri dish that produce acid and digestive enzymes.

5 Jan 2017

Novel murine model helps shed light on mechanisms involved in reversible infantile liver failure

Reversible infantile liver failure (RILF) is a heritable mitochondrial condition that causes severe liver dysfunction in infancy, but those who survive the acute stage typically recover and have no further problems.

27 Dec 2016

New discovery could lead to effective drugs to prevent excessive lymphatic growth in cancer

Cancer cells spread to other sites in the body through promoting the growth of new 'roads' to travel on.

27 Dec 2016

Combined genetic disruptions can counteract premature aging, TSRI study suggests

In a new study, scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute have shown how two genes "balance" each other to maintain normal cell function.

22 Dec 2016

Researchers identify attractive drug candidate to target glioma tumors

In a paper published today in Cancer Research, researchers: 1) identify a biomarker enzyme associated with aggressive glioma brain tumors, 2) reveal the regulatory mechanism for that enzyme, and 3) demonstrate potent efficacy, using a mouse model of glioma, for a small molecule inhibitor they have developed.

16 Dec 2016

RNA modifications play significant role in function of nervous system

Researchers at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have shown that a new way of regulating genes is vital for the activity of the nervous system.

8 Dec 2016

VIB scientists reveal how NLRP2 protein plays key role in early embryogenesis and fertility

Led by Prof. Mohamed Lamkanfi (VIB-Ghent University), researchers have demonstrated in animal models that a protein called NLRP2 plays an important role in early embryogenesis, the process of cell division in fertilized eggs that occurs before they implant into the lining of the uterus.

6 Dec 2016

Researchers uncover neural progenitors in protective membranes covering the brain

In a cross-domain study directed by professor Peter Carmeliet (VIB - KU Leuven), researchers discovered unexpected cells in the protective membranes that enclose the brain, the so called meninges.

24 Nov 2016