Human pre-implantation embryo development.
Understanding human pre-implantation development has important implications for assisted reproductive technology (ART) and for human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-based therapies. Owing to limited resources, the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing this early stage of human development are poorly understood. Nonetheless, recent advances in non-invasive imaging techniques and molecular and genomic technologies have helped to increase our understanding of this fascinating stage of human development. Here, we summarize what is currently known about human pre-implantation embryo development and highlight how further studies of human pre-implantation embryos can be used to improve ART and to fully harness the potential of hESCs for therapeutic goals.
Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Kathy K
KK
Niakan
Jinnuo
J
Han
Roger A
RA
Pedersen
Carlos
C
Simon
Renee A Reijo
RA
Pera
D000782:Aneuploidy; D000818:Animals; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D064987:Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D047108:Embryonic Development; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology; D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins