Self-organized signaling in stem cell models of embryos

Lizhong Liu; Aryeh Warmflash

doi:10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.03.020

Self-organized signaling in stem cell models of embryos

Stem Cell Reports. 2021 May 11;16(5):1065-1077. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.03.020.

Authors

Lizhong Liu¹, Aryeh Warmflash²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA.
² Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA. Electronic address: aryeh.warmflash@rice.edu.

Abstract

Mammalian embryonic development is a complex process driven by self-organization. Understanding how a fertilized egg develops into an embryo composed of more than 200 cell types in precise spatial patterns remains one of the fundamental challenges in biology. Pluripotent stem cells have been used as in vitro models for investigating mammalian development, and represent promising building blocks for regenerative therapies. Recently, sophisticated stem cell-based models that recapitulate early embryonic fate patterning and morphogenesis have been developed. In this article, we review recent advances in stem cell models of embryos in particular focusing on signaling activities underpinning cell fate decisions in space and time.

Keywords: differentiation; embryonic stem cells; gastrulation; self-organization; signaling.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism*
Embryoid Bodies / metabolism
Embryonic Development
Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism*
Humans
Models, Biological*
Signal Transduction*

Grants and funding

R01 GM126122/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States