Protein turnover rate sets the developmental clock.

Protein turnover rate determines species-specific developmental timing by regulating embryonic progression.

• Why it matters: Understanding how developmental clocks are set is crucial for insights into species differences and developmental disorders, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
• What they did: Matsuda et al. and Nakanoh et al. analyzed global protein turnover rates, focusing on translation and degradation processes, to explore their role in embryonic timing across species.
• The result: They found that protein turnover rates directly influence developmental speed, suggesting cells may monitor their metabolic state to gauge developmental progress.