by A recent study published in the journal Nature Communications by an international team of researchers has shed light on the correlation between the amount of protein consumed by pregnant women and the facial development of their offspring. The researchers conducted experiments with mice and zebrafish, as well as sequencing genes from human embryonic facial tissue to delve into this intriguing connection.
While genetics have long been understood to play a significant role in determining facial features, emerging research suggests that environmental factors during pregnancy can also influence facial development. The team of researchers set out to investigate whether the maternal diet could impact the facial structure of unborn children.
Sequencing of genes in human embryonic facial tissue revealed enhancers associated with genes linked to the mTORC1 pathway, a key player in cellular food processing and early-stage skeletal formation. The researchers hypothesized that this pathway could be a modulator in facial development.
Experiments on mice and zebrafish were conducted to explore the effects of activating and deactivating the mTORC1 pathway on facial structure. Activation of the pathway resulted in thicker nasal passages and larger facial features, while deactivation led to elongated faces in zebrafish and enlarged snouts in mice.
To investigate the role of diet, particularly protein consumption, the researchers fed a group of mice a high-protein diet known to activate the mTORC1 pathway. A comparison with mice on a normal diet revealed differences in signaling, with embryos from the high-protein group displaying lower jawbones and larger nasal capsules.
The study’s findings underline the impact of maternal diet on facial development in offspring, suggesting that dietary factors can exert significant influence on fetal development. The researchers propose that further exploration into the broader effects of maternal diet on embryonic development is warranted to uncover additional insights into this complex interplay.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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