Development by three-dimensional approaches and four-dimensional imaging: To the knowledge frontier and beyond

• Published in: Birth defects research. Part C. Embryo today Vol. 105; no. 1; pp. 1 - 8
• Main Authors: Carneiro, Katia, de Brito, Jose M., Rossi, Maria I. D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-03-2015; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: 4D imaging; development; Embryonic Development - physiology; Extracellular Matrix - physiology; Homeostasis - physiology; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - trends; Organogenesis - physiology; organoids; organotypic culture; Time-Lapse Imaging - methods; Time-Lapse Imaging - trends; 3D; development; organotypic culture; 4D imaging; organoids
• ISSN: 1542-975X; 1542-9768
• DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21089

Many advances have been taken on elucidating embryonic development and tissue homeostasis and repair by the use of experimental strategies that preserve the three‐dimensional (3D) organization and allow quantitative analysis of images over time (four‐dimensional). Ranging from the understanding about the relationship between blastomeres and the events that take place during gastrulation by the use of time‐lapse imaging through 3D cultures that mimic organogenesis, the advances in this area are of critical value. The studies on embryonic development without disrupting the original architecture and the development of 3D organoid cultures pave a new avenue for unprecedented experimental advances that will positively impact the emergence of new treatments applying regenerative principles for both tissue repair and organ transplant. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 105:1–8, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.