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The extraembryonic yolk sac (YS) ensures delivery of nutritional support and oxygen to the developing embryo but remains ill-defined in humans. We therefore assembled a comprehensive multiomic reference of the human YS from 3 to 8 postconception weeks by integrating single-cell protein and gene expression data. Beyond its recognized role as a site of hematopoiesis, we highlight roles in metabolism, coagulation, vascular development, and hematopoietic regulation. We reconstructed the emergence and decline of YS hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from hemogenic endothelium and revealed a YS-specific accelerated route to macrophage production that seeds developing organs. The multiorgan functions of the YS are superseded as intraembryonic organs develop, effecting a multifaceted relay of vital functions as pregnancy proceeds.

Original publication

DOI

10.1126/science.add7564

Type

Journal article

Journal

Science

Publication Date

18/08/2023

Volume

381

Keywords

Female, Humans, Pregnancy, Blood Coagulation, Macrophages, Yolk Sac, Embryonic Development, Atlases as Topic, Gene Expression, Gene Expression Profiling, Hematopoiesis, Liver