The Collection of Immunolabeled Transparent Human Embryos and Fetuses is the most advanced molecular embryology tool. Building upon the pioneering ‘DISCO’ clearing methods developed for rodent embryos, we have shifted gears to another level, where direct knowledge of molecular and cellular ontogenesis may prove critical to improve Human pregnancy.
Birth defects, of structural or functional origin, afflict more than 3% birth1, reaching 6-7% of live–born infants at their first anniversary2. Further, with a prevalence of one in 700 newborns presenting with craniofacial abnormalities3 – these conditions represent the most serious public healthcare burden.
Our 3D data collection demonstrates that with thorough biochemical optimization, we can now detect any cell population of all developing systems during organogenesis of healthy and pathological Human embryos and fetuses. The aim of this open-access project is to build a cutting-edge research consortium that will allow scientists and clinicians to implement our knowledge of human development and ontogenetic processes.
This collection is the first Human Cell Atlas currently organized along seven of the human organ systems, which makes this infrastructure a novel powerful educational online tool in human embryology for researchers, educators and students worldwide. The ontogenetic markers selected here span most morphogenetic processes, from proliferation to migration and terminal differentiation. We present here a selection of images and videoclips from a sortable and searchable database. New data and 3D tools will be regularly added.
Terms of use, Material Transfer Agreement Form, and Contact coordinates can be found on the Home page. Please contact us if you wish to obtain high resolution movies.
1 – CDC : https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/data.html
2– PCRM : http://www.pcrm.org/research/resch/reschethics/birth-defect-statistics
3 – WHO : http://www.who.int/genomics/publications/CFA%20Completed%20text.pdf