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Metabolic regulation of key developmental events during mammalian embryogenesis

Nature Cell Biology volume 27, pages 1219–1229 (2025)Cite this article

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Abstract

Metabolic regulation is critical in embryonic development and influences key processes such as fertilization, zygotic genome activation, cell compaction, implantation, gastrulation and organ development. Here we explore the interplay between metabolism and embryonic development in the context of important sequential key embryonic events, highlighting the orchestration of developmental processes by various metabolites and signalling molecules. Key metabolites, including glucose, fatty acids and amino acids, act as modulators of developmental processes, while also serving as energy sources and building blocks for cellular structures. Understanding the intricate relationship between metabolism and embryogenesis may provide insights into developmental disorders and potential therapeutic interventions.

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Fig. 1: Regulation of the redox balance in the embryo from the zygote to the 2-cell stage.
Fig. 2: Metabolic features in key sequential events of preimplantation embryo development.
Fig. 3: Metabolic processes during embryonic diapause.
Fig. 4: Metabolic regulation of embryonic implantation and post-implantation development.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China

    Yuyan Xu & Jin Zhang

  2. Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, THU-PKU Center for Life Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

    Wei Xie

  3. Joint Graduate Program of Peking-Tsinghua-NIBS, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

    Wei Xie

  4. Center of Gene and Cell Therapy and Genome Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China

    Jin Zhang

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J.Z. conceived, supervised and revised the Review, Y.X. completed all the writing and drawing, and W.X. provided valuable suggestions and revised the Review.

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Correspondence to Jin Zhang.

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Xu, Y., Xie, W. & Zhang, J. Metabolic regulation of key developmental events during mammalian embryogenesis. Nat Cell Biol 27, 1219–1229 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41556-025-01720-y

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