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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Directed Differentiation of Primitive and Definitive Hematopoietic Progenitors from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: November 1, 2017
Embryonic origin of human hematopoiesis
Manuela Tavian1, Katia Biasch, Lidia Sinka
1INSERM U682, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. manuela.tavian@inserm.fr
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) originate from two embryonic sites: the yolk sac and the aorta/gonad/mesonephros (AGM) region. The novel cell surface marker angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) aids in identifying human HSCs.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Hematology
- Stem cell research
Background:
- Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are crucial for the adult hematopoietic system, generating all blood cells.
- Understanding embryonic HSC origins is vital for clinical applications like transplantation.
- Two distinct embryonic sites contribute to hematopoiesis: the yolk sac and the aorta/gonad/mesonephros (AGM) region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the developmental origins of embryonic hematopoietic stem cells in humans.
- To detail the discovery of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) as a novel cell surface marker for human HSCs.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on embryonic hematopoiesis.
- Discussion of cell surface marker identification techniques for hematopoietic stem cells.
Main Results:
- The yolk sac produces early hematopoietic progenitors with limited differentiation potential.
- Self-renewing, multipotent HSCs with lymphoid potential arise in the AGM region.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has been identified as a novel cell surface marker for human HSCs.
Conclusions:
- Embryonic HSC development involves distinct contributions from the yolk sac and AGM region.
- The identification of ACE as a marker advances the study and potential therapeutic use of human HSCs.
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