Exploring cutting-edge research from the 17th Spanish Society for Developmental Biology Meeting and emerging trends in the field
Imagine a single cell—smaller than a grain of salt—containing all the instructions to build an entire living organism, from the beating heart to the complex nervous system.
This miraculous transformation from simplicity to complexity has captivated scientists for centuries. How do identical cells diversify into hundreds of specialized types? What tells tissues to fold, extend, and connect at precisely the right moments? These fundamental questions lie at the heart of developmental biology, the science that explores how organisms grow from conception to adulthood.
In November 2020, despite the challenges of a global pandemic, nearly 300 developmental biologists gathered virtually for the 17th Meeting of the Spanish Society for Developmental Biology (SEBD).
This meeting showcased cutting-edge research that is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of life's building processes 4 7 . From revealing how mechanical forces influence genetic programs to uncovering new dimensions of healing and regeneration, the conference highlighted how developmental biology continues to unravel nature's most complex construction projects—with potential implications for medicine, evolutionary biology, and even cancer treatment.
The SEBD meeting was organized around eight interconnected themes that represent the most exciting directions in contemporary developmental biology.
| Research Theme | Focus Areas | Biological Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Growth & Scaling | How organs sense their size and stop growing at the right point | Ensures proportional development of body parts |
| Self-organization | How cells coordinate to form patterns without external guidance | Fundamental to embryo formation and tissue repair |
| Neurodevelopment | Brain and nervous system formation, including secondary neurulation | Understanding brain development and neurological disorders |
| Genomes | How genetic information is regulated during development | Reveals how the same DNA builds different cell types |
| Cell Biology | Cellular structures like centrioles and their role in development | Links subcellular components to overall development |
| Development & Disease | How errors in development cause disease | Informs understanding of birth defects and conditions |
| Evo-Devo | Evolutionary developmental biology comparing species | Reveals how developmental processes evolve |
| Regeneration | How some organisms regenerate tissues and organs | Potential applications for human medicine |
The meeting featured several groundbreaking presentations that illustrated these themes. Nobel Prize winner Maria Leptin presented research on how cell mechanics influence genetic programs 7 . Miki Ebisuya explored why the segmentation clock—a fundamental biological timer that divides the developing body into segments—runs at different speeds in mouse versus human cells, potentially explaining species-specific developmental timelines 7 . These studies highlight how developmental biology now integrates physics, mathematics, and computational approaches with traditional biological methods.
One particularly compelling area of research presented at the meeting focused on craniofacial development—how the complex structures of the face and skull form properly.
A research team led by Camacho-Macorra investigated a critical question: what molecular mechanisms ensure that facial features develop in the correct positions with the proper shapes 4 .
Specifically, they examined the Hedgehog signaling pathway, a key communication system that cells use during embryonic development. Disruptions in this pathway are known to cause craniofacial defects, but the precise mechanisms remained unclear.
The researchers focused on a relatively unstudied gene called Mosmo, which appears to modulate the Hedgehog pathway. Understanding Mosmo's function could provide crucial insights into the causes of human congenital craniofacial malformations and potentially suggest new therapeutic approaches.
The research team employed zebrafish as their model organism, a common choice in developmental biology due to their transparent embryos and rapid external development.
First, the researchers identified two Mosmo gene paralogs in zebrafish, naming them Mosmoa and Mosmob 4 .
Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, they created zebrafish embryos with inactivated Mosmo genes 4 .
The team carefully analyzed the modified embryos for abnormalities in craniofacial structures 4 .
They examined how Mosmo inactivation affected the Hedgehog signaling pathway and related molecular processes.
The experiments yielded clear and important results about Mosmo's role in development:
| Experimental Group | Craniofacial Development | Hedgehog Pathway Function | Overall Viability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal zebrafish | Normal craniofacial skeleton | Properly activated | Normal development |
| Mosmoa-inactivated | Mild defects | Partially impaired | Survived to adulthood |
| Mosmob-inactivated | Severe skeletal defects | Significantly impaired | High mortality rate |
| Double inactivated | Most severe abnormalities | Strongly compromised | Lethal |
The researchers discovered that Mosmo genes are essential for proper craniofacial development in zebrafish. When both Mosmo paralogs were inactivated, embryos exhibited significant abnormalities in their craniofacial skeletons 4 . This suggests that Mosmo proteins play a crucial role in modulating Hedgehog signaling during face and skull formation.
Modern developmental biology relies on a sophisticated array of research reagents and tools that enable scientists to probe the mysteries of development.
| Reagent Type | Primary Function | Research Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Gene-editing tools (CRISPR-Cas9) | Precisely modify specific DNA sequences | Study gene function by creating targeted mutations |
| Antibodies | Detect specific proteins in cells and tissues | Visualize where and when proteins appear in development |
| Fluorescent tags | Mark specific cells or structures for imaging | Track cell movements and fate during development |
| Morphogens | Signal molecules that pattern tissues | Study how cells receive positional information |
| Stem cells | Undifferentiated cells with developmental potential | Model early development and tissue formation |
As the research presented at the SEBD meeting demonstrates, developmental biology is rapidly evolving toward more integrated, interdisciplinary approaches.
The combination of computational modeling with traditional experimental approaches is creating powerful new frameworks for understanding development.
As one special issue noted, researchers are now using computer-based and experimental methods collectively to target molecular mechanisms in developing systems 6 . This integration allows scientists to create dynamic models of developmental processes, such as root growth in plants from a three-celled meristem to fully differentiated tissues 6 .
The phenomenon of native double-stranded DNA internalization by tumor stem-like cells has opened new possibilities for cancer treatment 6 . The therapeutic approach "Karanahan" exploits this discovery to specifically eliminate tumor stem cells.
The regeneration session at the SEBD meeting highlighted growing interest in how some organisms repair and replace damaged tissues.
Research revealed the involvement of FoxK1 transcription factors in neural and epidermal tissue regeneration 4 .
Another study focused on muscle satellite cells in the context of muscle regeneration, summarizing evidence for their different developmental origins 4 .
This research direction has profound implications for regenerative medicine, potentially leading to new treatments for conditions ranging from spinal cord injuries to heart disease.
The research presented at the 17th Spanish Society for Developmental Biology Meeting represents more than specialized scientific advances—it offers fundamental insights into the very process of life itself.
Understanding how a single fertilized egg transforms into a complex organism
Harnessing developmental principles for medical advances and regenerative therapies
As technology continues to provide new tools for exploration—from advanced imaging to computational modeling—our understanding of development will continue to deepen. This knowledge not only satisfies our curiosity about life's origins but also holds the promise of revolutionary advances in medicine, from correcting developmental disorders to unlocking the body's regenerative potential.
The future of developmental biology lies in continued collaboration across disciplines and borders, connecting researchers from Spain to Latin America, from Europe to Asia. As this global community of scientists continues to decipher the intricate dance of genes, cells, and tissues that builds life, we move closer to answering some of biology's most profound questions while developing new approaches to some of medicine's most challenging problems.