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Updated: Mar 6, 2026
07:37
Neural Tube Closure in Mouse Whole Embryo Culture
Published on: October 21, 2011
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Neural tube closure and embryonic metabolism
Yoshifumi Yamaguchi1,2, Hidenobu Miyazawa1,3, Masayuki Miura1,2
1Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Congenital Anomalies
|March 16, 2017
Summary
Neural tube closure (NTC) is vital for central nervous system development. Understanding embryonic metabolism during NTC can help prevent neural tube defects (NTD) caused by environmental factors.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Embryology
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Neural tube closure (NTC) is critical for mammalian central nervous system formation.
- Disruptions in NTC lead to neural tube defects (NTDs) like spina bifida and anencephaly.
- Environmental factors and maternal health significantly impact NTC, but embryonic metabolic states during this process are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic state of developing embryos during neural tube closure.
- To understand embryonic metabolic rewiring during NTC.
- To identify potential metabolic links to the etiology of environmentally induced NTDs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized state-of-the-art mass spectrometry techniques.
- Analyzed embryonic metabolite profiles and tissue distribution.
- Focused on NTC stages involving chorioallantoic branching.
Main Results:
- Mass spectrometry enabled detailed analysis of embryonic metabolism.
- Altered glucose metabolism was observed during NTC stages with chorioallantoic branching.
- Provided insights into the metabolic landscape of developing embryos.
Conclusions:
- Embryonic metabolic rewiring occurs during neural tube closure.
- Understanding these metabolic changes is crucial for elucidating NTD causes.
- This research lays the groundwork for future studies on metabolic interventions for NTDs.
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