Overview

• Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute developed a 3D stem cell model that mimics human amniotic sac development beyond two weeks post-fertilization.
• The post-gastrulation amnioid (PGA) self-organizes into a two-layer membrane structure containing fluid, closely resembling a mature amniotic sac.
• Experiments identified the transcription factor GATA3 as essential for initiating amnion development, with genetic manipulation confirming its regulatory role.
• The model demonstrates crosstalk between amniotic tissues and embryonic cells, revealing how signals from the amnion influence embryonic development.
• Researchers are exploring the potential of PGAs as a scalable, ethically permissible source of amniotic membranes for medical uses such as tissue repair and regenerative therapies.