Summary of the science
Naive Pluripotent stem cells can become any type of cell. During the formation of the embryo, different cells specialise and form different layers, which later determine which cells go on to become the embryo and which cells form the tissue outside the embryo (like the placenta). The Jacob Hanna lab investigates ways in which we can mimic these early developmental stages. They found that stem cells can not only form these initial layers but can actually organise themselves into real early embryo models.
About the research
Stem cells grown in vitro can form populations of embryonic and extra-embryonic cells, which are found to have the ability to self-organise into 'synthetic' embryoid models. These have been used by the Jacob Hanna Lab to model early embryonic development and investigate embryonic stem cell biology, including how stem cells differentiate into organs. Their focus lies on cellular reprogramming and the development of human and mammalian stem cells.
About the illustration
We wanted to highlight that the embryonic and extra-embryonic stem cell populations start off as a mixed group of semi-differentiated cells but later self-organise into embryoid models. We did this by using a simple left-right design, whereby the cells slowly start grouping together and forming embryonic layers. To initiate this process, the cells are rapidly spun around in a cylinder using an ex-utero culture device. To emphasise this aspect we decided to integrate the 'twirl' composition, whereby the cells look like they are swirling around as they self-organise.