Molecular Regulatory Mechanisms Governing Totipotent Embryo Development
GUO Jiawei#, XIE Yuzhuo#, FU Xudong*
Totipotency refers to the ability of a cell to generate all cell types of the organism and develop into a complete individual. In mice, the zygote and 2-cell embryos are considered strictly totipotent, whereas in humans, totipotency is present in embryos before the 8-cell stage. The totipotent embryo development is governed by a multidimensional regulatory network and is significantly influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic environmental factors. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying totipotent embryo development, optimization of in vitro models and research technologies, and evaluation of risk factors affecting totipotent potential could further advance assisted reproductive technologies and the translational application of totipotent cells. This review provides a concise summary of recent progress in the core regulatory mechanisms, risk factors, and research technologies of
totipotent embryo development, including contributions from this laboratory.
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