Mammalian embryos develop in space for the first time

The results of a revolutionary experiment launched on the International Space Station (ISS) in August 2021 were recently published in the journal iScience. Search completed successfully tested the hypothesis that mammalian embryos, namely mice, can develop normally in a zero-gravity environment.

Two years ago, hundreds of two-cell embryos (formed shortly after the egg is fertilized by sperm) were thawed aboard the ISS, where they grew for four days. Dozens of embryos that were already at the morula stage (small sphere of compressed cells) returned to Earth. and nearly a quarter formed healthy clusters, moving on to the next stage: blastocyst.

Already on Earth and under normal gravity, these more advanced embryonic developmental structures on the ISS were compared with other mouse embryos that had the same developmental period but had been grown on land since their fertilization. According to the research, “Gravity had no significant effect on blastocyst formation and early differentiation of mammalian embryos.”.

Comparison of embryos grown on the ISS and on Earth

To test the hypotheses, the study included three samples: In addition to the one thawed on the ISS and kept in a microgravity environment, another was placed in a centrifuge on the space station to simulate artificial gravity similar to this one. of the Earth. The third configuration remained on the ground for the entire period as a control sample.

“Embryos cultured under microgravity conditions developed into blastocysts with normal cell numbers, inner cell mass, trophectoderm, and gene expression profiles. Similar to those grown on the International Space Station with 1 g under artificial control and 1 g under control in soil“, ends the run.

The team also noticed that under normal breeding conditions, blastocysts produced in the ISS’s microgravity could develop into mouse fetuses and placentas. Without significant changes in DNA or gene expression. However, the survival rate of embryos grown in space was significantly lower than those grown on Earth.

Can humans reproduce life in space?

Although the study’s findings are promising for future human reproduction in space, there is still a long way to go between the blastocyst stage and a successful pregnancy. there is a relatively long time for something to go wrong.

Formation of differentiated cells in the four days following the shipment of rat zygotes to the ISS If it occurs before the embryo attaches to the uterine wall, It is an essential process for the effective start of pregnancy. The same team that kept pregnant female mice in microgravity in a previous experiment found significant abnormalities in the embryos.

To prevent the negative effects of lack of gravity on bones and muscles, astronauts constantly exercise on the ISS. But the question is: In the case of a pregnant astronaut, can the benefits of this physical activity be transferred to the fetus? Therefore, the team is planning further studies in this area, involving the implantation of space-grown blastocysts into women on Earth.

Stay up to date with all scientific studies on TecMundo. If you want, take the opportunity to read about NASA’s bold plan to build housing on the moon by 2040.