Human stem cell models unravel mechanisms of somite segmentation

In vitro models to study human somitogenesis, the formation of the segmented body plan, have so far been limited.1 Two papers in Nature now report the creation of pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived 3D culture systems that recapitulate the formation of somite-like structures and help gain insights into this developmental process.2,3 In vitro models to study human somitogenesis, the formation of the segmented body plan, have so far been limited.1 Two papers in Nature now report the creation of pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived 3D culture systems that recapitulate the formation of somite-like structures and help gain insights into this developmental process.2,3.