Human embryo compaction is a key part of early embryo development and is caused by the cells’ ability to contract. This discovery challenges the previously accepted idea that cell adhesion is the primary driver of compaction and opens the door for advancements in assisted reproductive technology (ART). In humans, compaction of embryonic cells is vital for proper embryo development. Around four days after fertilization, the cells come together to give the embryo its initial form. If compaction is defective, it can prevent the formation of the structure needed for the embryo to implant in the uterus. This new information could lead to improvements in ART.
Reproductive technology (ART), this stage is carefully monitored before an embryo is implanted.
An interdisciplinary research team led by scientists at the Genetics and Developmental Biology Unit at the Institut Curie (CNRS/Inserm/Institut Curie) studying the mechanisms at play in this still little-known phenomenon has made a surprising discovery: human embryo compaction is driven by the contraction of embryonic cells. Compaction problems are therefore due to faulty contractility in these cells, and not a lack of adhesion between them, as was previously assumed. This mechanism had already been ide
The discovery of contractility, the ability of embryonic cells to change shape and position through mechanical forces, has been previously identified in flies, zebrafish, and mice, but this is the first time it has been observed in humans.
By increasing our knowledge of the early stages of human embryonic development, the research team aims to contribute to the improvement of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) as one third of inseminations are currently unsuccessful.
The researchers achieved these results by mapping cell surface tensions in human embryonic cells. They also conducted tests to see how inhibiting contractility and cell adhesion affected the cells, and analyzed the mechanical signature of embryonic cells with defective contractility.
Notes : 1 — Scientists from the following entities also took part in this research.e study conducted by the Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en biologie (CNRS/Collège de France/Inserm), the Reproductive Biology Department — CECOS (AP-HP) and the Institut Cochin (CNRS/Inserm/Université Paris Cité).
2 — Source: Agence de la biomédecine
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