Can developmental signals shatter or mend our genomes?

Consensus holds that most cells in the embryo are genetically identical and have healthy genomes. However, embryonic cells with abnormal chromosomes are surprisingly frequent. In a recent publication, de Jaime-Soguero et al. report that extracellular developmental signaling pathways, including BMP, FGF, and WNT, can promote or prevent chromosome instability in certain cell types.
Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests.
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