Deconstructing and reconstructing the mouse and human early embryo

Nat Cell Biol. 2018 Aug;20(8):878-887. doi: 10.1038/s41556-018-0144-x. Epub 2018 Jul 23.

Abstract

The emergence of form and function during mammalian embryogenesis is a complex process that involves multiple regulatory levels. The foundations of the body plan are laid throughout the first days of post-implantation development as embryonic stem cells undergo symmetry breaking and initiate lineage specification, in a process that coincides with a global morphological reorganization of the embryo. Here, we review experimental models and how they have shaped our current understanding of the post-implantation mammalian embryo.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Lineage*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Embryo Research* / history
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism
  • Embryo, Mammalian / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Gestational Age
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Human Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Human Embryonic Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Morphogenesis*
  • Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stem Cell Research* / history