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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
06:21
In Vitro Generation of Somite Derivatives from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: April 25, 2019
The notochord: development, disease and stem cell-based modelling
Julie Warin1, Tiago Rito2,3, James Briscoe3
1Nantes Université, Oniris, INSERM, Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton, RMeS, UMR 1229, F-44000 Nantes, France.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|June 15, 2026
Summary
The notochord provides structural support and signals during development. Stem cell models are advancing our understanding of notochord formation and its role in spinal disc health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- The notochord, a key chordate feature, provides mechanical support and developmental signals.
- Notochord-derived cells form the nucleus pulposus in mammalian intervertebral discs, crucial for spinal flexibility.
- Understanding notochord development is vital for addressing spinal disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current knowledge on notochord development from initiation to disc formation.
- To highlight signaling pathways involved in axial mesoderm specification and notochord lineage commitment.
- To review the application of stem cell-based models for studying notochord biology and related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of developmental biology literature.
- Integration of single-cell molecular data.
- Analysis of pluripotent stem cell-based models (monolayers, micropatterned systems, 3D organoids).
Main Results:
- Detailed discussion of notochord initiation during gastrulation and subsequent disc formation.
- Identification of key signaling pathways governing notochord development.
- Demonstration that stem cell models recapitulate essential notochord formation processes.
Conclusions:
- Stem cell models offer powerful tools for disease modeling and regenerative applications related to the notochord.
- Further research integrating developmental insights and stem cell innovations can advance understanding of tissue formation and homeostasis.
- This work bridges basic research with translational applications for notochordal dysfunction and disc health.
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