Pluripotency in the light of the developmental hourglass

What is it about?

Pluripotent stem cells are cells that can differentiate into any adult cell type. Therefore pluripotent stem cells have great potential in regenerative medicine and they are frequently used to study embryonic processes. Human pluripotent stem cells are different from mouse pluripotent stem cells. The origin of these differences is not well understood, but may reflect differences in early embryonic development. Counterintuitavely, closely related species frequently differ more in early and late embryonic development than in mid-embryonic development. This is known as the hourglass model of development. In our review article we highlight the recent accumulating molecular evidence in favor of the hourglass model. In addition we review the major differences between mammalian species in early development, indicating that the hourglass model also holds true for mammals. We specifically focus on those differences that may impact the pluripotent stem cell population that is present in the early development of all species. An important conclusion form this article is that cellular states such as pluripotency is differentially regulated across species.

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Why is it important?

Our manuscript combines the following: - A review of the recent molecular support of the hourglass model of development - A review of the main differences in early mammalian development - The importance of this work for ouw view on pluripotent stem cells

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