Scientists were able to snap footage of early-stage embryo formation.
This could help shed light on the commencement of congenital birth defects among humans.
Early-Stage Embryo Formation Captured
The team of Australian researchers made use of a technique that involved fluorescent protein to illuminate cells in the small embryo. They then recorded the early moments taking their shape.
They were able to witness quail embryo cells crawl around the support structure, which is protein-based. They were organizing themselves into the first phases of the brain and spine and the earliest form of the heart.
As part of these efforts, University of Queensland scientists made a quail embryo that is genetically engineered and that formed while creating Lifeact, which is a reflective fluorescent protein.
The genes used in the protein creation of the Lifeact were implanted into the quail's live embryo. It was done through direct injection into the primordial germ cells that circulate the blood.
The fluorescent proteins' glow showed the early protein scaffolding of the embryo, known as the actin cytoskeleton, which helps with movement and gives its cells shape.
Such proteins are also selectively bonded to actin, which is another protein. It lit up and offered definition to the early structure.
This illumination allowed the researchers to record the arm-like protrusion formation on respective cells. This could aid the cells in crawling through the protein supports of the cytoskeleton in the right region.
The researchers were also able to document the heart stem cells in the embryo as they moved to a position within the cytoskeleton to form an early heart, marking the first time for anyone to snap the actin cytoskeleton of the cells, facilitating the contact in actual and live imaging.
The interaction and real-time movement of cells for organizing into complex tissues for embryo formation widely remain a mystery.
Findings were noted in the "A Lifeact-EGFP quail for studying actin dynamics in vivo" study.
Researchers have imaged key developmental stages for the first time, deepening our understanding of birth defects. @MelanieDWhite, @Yanina61831716
🔗 Read more: https://t.co/XKoi4OIYiY pic.twitter.com/R50bU9dUuS— Institute for Molecular Bioscience (@IMBatUQ) July 1, 2024
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Understanding Congenital Birth Defects
Since the embryo of the quail is similar to that of humans during this early stage, the researchers are hoping to do a real-time study of the early missteps in embryonic cells that could result in birth defects. This could help improve treatments in the future.
Around 3% of human babies have congenital birth defects when born, with defects in the neural tube and heart being the most common ones.
The only way for such conditions to be treated is through surgery a couple of days post-birth. However, in worse cases, transplants to treat heart defects could be necessary.
According to Dr. Melanie White, avian embryos are great models for human development, as several major organ developments, such as the neural tube and heart, are extremely similar.
Moreover, recording quail embryos as they develop is also easier. This is due to the egg's thin shell, which is easier for technology to examine and leave without disturbance.
Dr. White also noted that it is extremely hard to film such embryonic development stages as they happen after the embryos have implanted into the womb of the mother.
Since quails grow in eggs that are quite accessible for imaging, they have early developments that are quite similar to humans at the time the embryos of humans implant into the mother's uterus.
The doctor noted that they aim to find genes or proteins that can be targeted in the future or made use of for congenital birth defect screening.
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