最新研究揭示哺乳动物胚胎早期器官发育“密码”

Core Insights - Congenital heart disease is the most common type of birth defect in newborns, and recent research by Chinese scientists has identified an organ primordium determination zone that provides a crucial theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of congenital heart disease and other birth defects [1][3] - The study, published in the international academic journal "Cell," utilized single-cell spatial omics analysis to capture the dynamic process of organ formation in mouse embryos, focusing on the early stages of development [1][3] Research Findings - The research team discovered a unique signaling "depression" known as the organ primordium determination zone (PDZ) at 7.75 days of mouse embryonic development, characterized by low signal activity and the expression of various receptor signaling genes [3] - The PDZ area is surrounded by high concentrations of inhibitory and activating signaling molecules, creating a microenvironment conducive to the coordinated development of the heart and foregut [3] - This study provides a new methodology for understanding organ regeneration and tumorigenesis, offering precise scientific evidence for the prevention and treatment of congenital heart disease and related conditions [3]