About this Research Topic

Background

Embryonic development in animals involves a complex interplay of cell migration, differentiation, and lineage determination, which are critical for the proper formation of tissues and organs. Despite significant advances in our understanding, many aspects of cell fate during early embryonic development remain elusive. This process is pivotal, as it encompasses some of the most intricate molecular events in biology, including the differentiation of germ layers and tissue precursors. However, voids persist in our knowledge of these crucial stages, specifically in understanding how cellular decisions are regulated during the earliest phases of life. Recent studies employing cutting-edge bioengineering tools and genomic technologies have begun to shed light on these processes, yet there remains an urgent need for deeper exploration to bridge the existing gaps.

This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of early embryonic development lineage. By focusing on intricate cellular processes and utilizing modern embryonic and genetic techniques, we intend to improve early development-related disease prevention, enhance cellular differentiation strategies, and refine tissue regeneration applications. Specifically, the integration of tools such as embryo transfer, gene manipulation technologies, and single-cell sequencing is crucial for accurate lineage reconstruction and offers profound insights into developmental biology.

To gather further insights into embryonic cellular dynamics and their consequences, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o Differentiation patterns of early embryonic cell lineages and their genetic or metabolic regulatory mechanisms.
o Molecular mechanisms of embryonic germ layer differentiation and organ formation.
o Genetic markers for cell lineage tracing.
o Novel technologies to promote the efficiency of cell lineage tracing.
o Interaction between embryonic cell lineage and developmental disorders, including congenital cardiovascular and neurological conditions.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Early embryonic development, embryonic differentiation, cell lineage differentiation and regulatory mechanisms, genes during organ formation, cell lineage tracing, congenital cardiovascular diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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