From Mendel's peas to genetic regulation of embryogenesis

As scientists, we all stand on the shoulders of giants. This seemingly trivial metaphor reminds us to acknowledge those who laid the groundwork for our careers, to pass on this historical knowledge to future generations, and to cultivate a sense of modesty. In this regard, two prominent biologists from the mid-19th century, Gregor Mendel and Charles Darwin, stand out. Mendel's groundbreaking work laid the foundation for our understanding of genetics, while Darwin's theory illuminated the ever-changing world of plants and animals through the process of evolution. The principles they highlighted proved fundamental for our understanding of embryogenesis. The developmental process from a fertilized egg to an adult organism is paramount for the healthy creation of progeny, whether plants or animals. As with any biological process, embryogenesis is controlled by genes and is greatly impacted by changes in the environment. Pioneers in studying the genetic contribution to normal embryonic development included, among many others, Salome Guecksohn-Waelsch, Ed Lewis, Walter Gehring, Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard, and Eric Wieschaus. They made significant contributions to our understanding of this process, and their work continues to offer valuable insights, which is the subject of this article.