Putting mammalian early embryonic cells into dormancy.

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Reproductive Technologies

Background:

• Mammalian development normally progresses from fertilization to birth.
• Embryonic diapause is a natural pause in development observed in many mammals.
• Current methods to induce diapause in vivo are invasive and species-specific.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel in vitro method for inducing a diapause-like state in mammalian embryos and stem cells.
• To establish a less invasive and potentially species-spanning technique for pausing embryonic development.
• To facilitate research into the molecular mechanisms of developmental dormancy.

Main Methods:

• Pharmacological inhibition of mTOR pathway in mouse blastocysts, human blastoids, and pluripotent stem cells.
• Development of detailed in vitro culture protocols for inducing and reversing dormancy.
• Establishment of critical parameters and experimental readouts for successful dormancy induction.

Main Results:

• Successfully induced a diapause-like dormant state in vitro across different cell types and species.
• Demonstrated the ability to transition embryos, blastoids, and stem cells into and out of dormancy.
• Provided detailed protocols and parameters for consistent results.

Conclusions:

• In vitro induction of embryonic dormancy is achievable via pharmacological mTOR inhibition.
• This method provides a valuable tool for studying developmental mechanisms and improving in vitro reproductive technologies.
• The technique expands possibilities for pre-implantation clinical assays and research in species with limited assisted reproductive technologies.