A groundbreaking study led by Professor Greg FitzHarris at the Université de Montréal has uncovered an essential cellular process in early mouse embryos that could help combat infertility. Published in Developmental Cell, the research explores how sister cells, which originate from the same mother cell, work together to eliminate defective or unnecessary cells—an important process for ensuring healthy embryo development.
According to FitzHarris, who is also a researcher at the CRCHUM hospital research center, this mechanism may be vital for removing cells with harmful conditions like DNA damage or aneuploidy (an abnormal number of chromosomes). These cellular issues are known to contribute to infertility.
The study, led by Filip Vasilev, a former postdoctoral fellow in FitzHarris’ lab, reveals how the final stage of cell division—abscission—is delayed in early embryos. This delay leaves sister cells connected by a stable cytoplasmic bridge, which facilitates the exchange of signaling molecules that promote apoptosis. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a vital process during development that helps rid the body of unnecessary or damaged cells.
In humans, apoptosis occurs early in development, such as in the elimination of cells between the fingers or in the proper closure of the neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord. It also plays a crucial role in the formation of major blood vessels.
The study’s key finding is that this cytoplasmic bridge between sister cells ensures they die together. “If one cell dies, its sister does as well,” FitzHarris explained. He further noted that disrupting the bridge prevents this coordinated cell death, highlighting its essential role in development.
While these findings were observed in mice, the question of whether similar mechanisms exist in human embryos remains under investigation. FitzHarris’ team is currently extending their research to human embryos to explore the broader implications of this discovery.
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