Timely TGFβ signalling inhibition induces notochord

Timely TGFβ signalling inhibition induces notochord

The formation of the vertebrate body involves the coordinated production of trunk tissues from progenitors located in the posterior of the embryo. Although in vitro models using pluripotent stem cells replicate aspects of this process1–10, they lack crucial components, most notably the notochord—a defining feature of chordates that patterns surrounding tissues11. Consequently, cell types dependent on notochord signals are absent from current mod…

Notochord Guides Neural and Spinal Formation

Scientists have developed human stem cell models containing the notochord, a critical tissue that guides spine and nervous system formation during embryonic development. Using precise chemical signals inspired by natural processes in chicken, mouse, and monkey embryos, the researchers successfully coaxed human stem cells to form a notochord and a miniature trunk-like structure. This innovation mirrors key features of human development and could …

Unveiling Human Stem Cell Model with Functional Notochord

For the first time, the notochord a tissue in the developing embryo that serves as a navigation system, telling cells where to build the spine and nervous system (the trunk) has been included in human stem cell models created by researchers at the Francis Crick Institute.