A study published in Nature Cell Biology has found that physical pressures experienced by the embryo play a significant role in shaping facial features. The study, which involved observations on mouse and frog embryos as well as human embryoids, 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, including craniosynostosis.
A new study led by UCL researchers highlights the role of physical cues in the womb in influencing the development of neural crest cells. These embryonic stem cells are responsible for forming facial features. The study found that increased hydrostatic pressure sensed by the embryo can hinder the healthy development of facial features in mouse, frog, and human embryoids. This suggests that pressure differences may contribute to the risk of facial malformations.
