ScienceAlert- NANOG is essential for the early development of embryos.
- An international team of researchers, led by developmental biologist Kathy Niakan from the University of Cambridge, has confirmed that NANOG plays an essential role in human embryo development, but not in the same way it does in mice.
- By changing only a single base letter in the genetic code, researchers were able to disrupt the normal function of NANOG in human embryos, affecting human embryonic development.
- With NANOG disabled, pluripotent epiblast cells could not transform into stem cells and were redirected to form yolk sac or placental cells.
- The study indicates that one missing gene would stop human embryos from forming properly, as NANOG is critical for the development of cells that build the fetus and all parts of the body.
- The activation of NANOG initiates the developmental program that results in cells forming a human body.
- The study's immediate value is mechanistic, not clinical, but understanding early human embryo development could help reduce infertility and pregnancy loss.
- The gene NANOG was named after the Celtic world of the ever-young, Tír na nÓg, because its activation makes stem cells immortal.
- The discovery of NANOG might lead to ways to boost the success rate of IVF and improve understanding of stem cell research and regenerative medicine.
A study led by Kathy Niakan at the University of Cambridge has confirmed the essential role of the NANOG gene in human embryo development. By using CRISPR base editing to disable NANOG, researchers found that embryonic cells failed to develop into tissues necessary for forming a human body.12345691011
The study revealed that without NANOG, pluripotent epiblast cells could not transform into stem cells, instead differentiating into yolk sac or placental cells. This disruption highlights the gene's critical role in initiating the developmental program necessary for human life.
“Our results indicate that NANOG has a really critical role in development, and without it, there’s a failure to develop,” Niakan stated. The findings could have significant implications for improving IVF success rates and understanding infertility, as researchers believe NANOG may be linked to some infertility issues.
The research also opens avenues for potential future applications in gene editing to prevent inherited conditions, although current regulations limit such practices. “The immediate value of the study is mechanistic, not clinical,” Niakan noted, emphasizing the importance of understanding early human development.
This study represents a significant advancement in the field, as it is one of the first to apply base editing techniques to human embryos, paving the way for future research in regenerative medicine and infertility treatments.
The gene was named after Tír na nÓg, the mythical Celtic “Land of the Young,” due to its role in maintaining stem cell immortality.
“Research led by Kathy Niakan at the University of Cambridge confirms that the NANOG gene is crucial for human embryo development, differing from its role in mice. This discovery may enhance understanding of infertility and improve IVF success rates.”
New Scientist
Nature
