Title: From cell to complexity: Recapitulation of embryogenesis ex utero

Abstract:  

Embryonic development, starting from a fertilized egg, lays the foundation for the future body plan. Despite its significance, understanding the post-implantation phase in humans has been impeded by the inaccessibility of embryos. In this seminar, I will discuss our progress in circumventing these limitations by leveraging pluripotent stem cell-based embryo models. Initially, I will delve into the orchestration of cell fate patterning, unraveling the interplay of intercellular signaling pathways that dictate developmental trajectories. Subsequently, I will elucidate our breakthroughs in deciphering the intricate formation of both embryonic and extraembryonic tissues during the crucial post-implantation stage in humans, shedding light on the fundamental processes driving complex tissue development. My future research program aims to track molecular and cellular dynamics during development, reconstruct tissue interactions, and recapitulate organogenesis in vitro to enhance our understanding of normal development and the progression of congenital diseases in humans.