A single cell characterisation of human embryogenesis identifies pluripotency transitions and putative anterior hypoblast centre

Abstract Following implantation, the human embryo undergoes major morphogenetic transformations that establish future body plan. While molecular events underpinning this process are established in mice, they remain unknown humans. Here we characterise key of morphogenesis, period between implantation and gastrulation, using single-cell analyses functional studies. First, embryonic epiblast cells transition through different pluripotent states act as a source FGF signals ensure proliferation both extra-embryonic tissues. In subset embryos, identify group asymmetrically positioned hypoblast expressing inhibitors BMP, NODAL WNT signalling pathways. We suggest can anterior singalling centre to pattern epiblast. These results provide insights into pluripotency state transitions, role specification anterior-posterior axis during development.