2 years

Martin Estermann

As a developmental geneticist, it still fascinates me that aggregated cells in culture have the capacity to form complex embryonic structures with such resemblance to in utero grown embryos. As a young postdoctoral researcher switching from birds to mammalian embryonic models, I now understand the difficulties of in utero development when studying embryonic development. These in vitro embryonic models will allow us to monitor and study mammalian embryonic development, under the microscope, in real time!. Particularly, as I study gonadal development and sex determination, which occurs around E10.5-E12.5 in mice, I am interested to see if these models can continue their development in vitro past the E8.5 developmental stage. The preprints and articles discussed here are the starting point of a new era for mammalian developmental biologists. I can’t wait to see where the science takes us.