Impact of developmental biology on medicine

How a single zygote develops into a complex organism is the greatest mystery in biomedical science. The discipline of studying this developmental process is called "developmental biology". With advances in genetics, molecular biology, and genomics and judicious use of various model organisms, modern developmental biologists are gradually unveiling the mystery of the developmental process. During this process, embryonic cells proliferate and differentiate to form various tissues and organs. Eventually, a fully functioning organism results. The embryo possesses the mysterious power to give rise to all kinds of new cells and tissues. If we can harness the power of embryogenesis, the lost function of a diseased organ might be restored. To demonstrate the potential impact of developmental research on future medical care, we cite major progress in several areas such as 1) the search for human disease genes and the study of gene function using model organisms; 2) the power of stem cells; and 3) bioartificial organs. Medical researchers in the 21st century should have an ample knowledge of developmental biology and an ability to use various model organisms to study gene function. Through this, new treatments using the power of embryogenesis may evolve.