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A matter of time

Researchers at ISTA used miniature 2D organs and rubbery silicone molds to study morphogen signaling dynamics during spinal cord development. The study found that BMP morphogen signaling gradients emerge quickly, then fade away, only to reappear again, shedding light on the complex process of tissue development.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

Disease genes help developing brains

Scientists have identified two new candidate genes, ULK4 and PTTG1, that positively influence the development of an embryo by restoring a strong Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway. This finding provides new insights into the causes of holoprosencephaly, a congenital malformation affecting around one to four in every 1,000 unborns.

Watching an embryo's neural tube close

Researchers aim to explore treatment for birth defects like spina bifida and anencephaly by studying how the neural tube closes, with $3.2 million from the NIH. A hybrid microscope combining Brillouin spectroscopy and OCT will help understand mechanical properties controlling neural tube closure in developing embryos.

New findings may shed light on brain and spinal cord birth defects

A study published in Developmental Cell has identified protease-activated receptors as crucial for neural tube closure, a process disrupted in congenital birth defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida. The research suggests that this PAR signaling system may regulate the integrity of tissue to prevent neural tube defects.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 19, 2010