Fig. 8. Model for how Bmp2/4 and BMPs of the 60A subgroup cooperate to maintain epiblast pluripotency in mouse. Prior to gastrulation, Bmp2 and Bmp4 maintain pluripotency and inhibit neural differentiation of the epiblast. As gastrulation commences, BMPs of the 60A subgroup cooperate with Bmp2 and Bmp4 to reinforce the inhibition of neural fate. Neural differentiation occurs in the anterior epiblast when BMPs are antagonised, first by factors secreted by the AVE and later by the axial mesendoderm. AVE, anterior visceral endoderm; ExE, extra-embryonic ectoderm.