Researchers at UCL have discovered that physical pressures experienced by the embryo play a significant role in shaping facial features. Their study, published in Nature Cell Biology, involved observations on mouse and frog embryos as well as human embryoids (lab-grown cell structures). They found that higher-than-normal levels of pressure can disrupt the development of facial features. This suggests that differences in pressure might contribute to the risk of facial malformations.
Facial malformations, including craniosynostosis, occur when a baby’s skull or facial bones fuse together too soon or in an abnormal way, causing deformation in the face. Lead researcher Professor Roberto Mayor explained, “Our findings suggest that facial malformations could be influenced not only by genetics but also by physical cues such as pressure in the womb.”
The research showed that when neural crest cells, which are responsible for forming facial features, experience increased pressure, important cell signaling pathways are affected, leading to a higher risk of craniofacial malformations. Professor Mayor highlighted the need for further research to understand how changes in pressure, both inside the body and from the environment, could impact embryo development.
These findings could also have implications for stem cell research. The study suggests that the development and specialization of stem cells are influenced by pressure, which could change how scientists use stem cells for therapeutic purposes. Understanding the role of physical cues in the womb could lead to new insights into facial development and potentially improve treatments for facial malformations.
