The interest of the Institute in developmental biology is rooted back at the time when IGB researchers pioneered mouse genetics using gene targeting techniques to study mammalian embryonic development. The current research activity focuses at unravelling the genetic and the molecular basis of embryo development, with particular emphasis on the early stages of mammalian embryogenesis as well as on muscular, cardiovascular and neural differentiation. Specifically, we study the genetic, epigenetic and metabolic control of pluripotent and adult stem cells, and the molecular circuitries governing the decision between self-renewal and commitment to differentiation, both in physiology and disease. Based on this knowledge, IGB researchers are developing molecular and pharmacological tools to target progenitor/stem cells and their metabolism, paving the way for novel approaches to regenerative medicine and disease treatments.