Scientists at the Max Planck Institute and Austrian Academy of Sciences have identified a potential “pause button” in human development, suggesting that humans may be able to control the timing of their early growth. The study used stem cell models to discover that modulation of the mTOR signaling pathway induces a dormant state similar to embryonic diapause, a mechanism used by some mammals to extend pregnancy.
The researchers found that human cells can deploy molecular machinery to elicit a diapause-like response, characterized by reduced cell division, slower development, and decreased ability to attach to the uterine lining. This dormant state is reversible and can be triggered experimentally. The discovery has significant implications for reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), where it may provide a larger time window to assess embryo health and synchronize implantation with the mother.
The study’s findings could also open up new avenues for enhancing reproductive health and understanding the processes governing early human development.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2024-09-scientists-button-human.html