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Spatial profiling of early primate gastrulation in utero
Sophie Bergmann1,2,3, Christopher A Penfold1,2,3,4, Erin Slatery1,2,3
1Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Nature
|June 16, 2022
Summary
This study reveals the molecular code governing early primate embryonic development using 3D transcriptomes of marmoset gastrulation. It identifies key genes and signaling pathways essential for axis formation and lineage specification in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genomics
- Primate Embryology
Background:
- Gastrulation establishes cellular diversity and axis patterning in early mammalian embryos.
- Signaling centers at embryonic-extraembryonic tissue interfaces orchestrate this transformation.
- Understanding in vivo axis formation is crucial for human development and regenerative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illuminate early gastrulation in marmoset embryos using in utero spatial transcriptomics.
- To delineate the molecular framework of axis formation and lineage specification.
- To provide an in vivo reference for deciphering human development.
Main Methods:
- Spatial transcriptomics and stem-cell-based embryo models.
- Gaussian process regression-based 3D transcriptomes.
- Spatial identity mapping of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs).
Main Results:
- Identified conserved (HHEX, LEFTY2, LHX1) and primate-specific (POSTN, SDC4, FZD5) factors in anterior visceral endoderm.
- Revealed WNT signaling's role in primitive streak formation, counteracted by SFRP1/SFRP2 to maintain anterior pluripotency.
- Demonstrated BMP signaling-driven amnion specification via ID1/ID2/ID3 and linked marmoset PSC states to embryonic regions.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals the molecular code for lineage specification in primate embryos.
- Spatial transcriptomics provides an in vivo reference for human development.
- Findings offer insights into amnion differentiation of primate PSCs.
