Iain Martyn

The paper models primitive streak formation in human embryonic stem cells using a WNT signaling system and shows that DKK1 controls patterning extent and duration.

The paper uses human gastruloids to create a partial fate map of the human primitive streak by analyzing cell migrations and subpopulation organization under different signaling conditions.

The paper shows that WNT signaling memory enables ACTIVIN to act as a morphogen in human gastruloids by allowing graded responses to ACTIVIN without altering SMAD2 dynamics.

The paper generates a 3D human epiblast model to study axial symmetry breaking, showing BMP4 induces symmetry breaking through WNT3 and DKK1.

The paper shows that WNT and ACTIVIN signals can induce a functional human organizer in hESCs, characterized by PS formation and EMT markers, and demonstrate its ability to contribute to a secondary axis in chick embryos.