All models are wrong, but some are useful: Establishing standards for stem cell-based embryo models.

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Research
• Human Disease Modeling

Background:

• Embryo studies offer mechanistic insights into development and human disease.
• In vitro stem cell-based embryo models provide accessible experimental alternatives.
• Accurate reflection of in vivo development and discovery potential are key for model utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review methods for evaluating stem cell properties used in embryo models.
• To discuss approaches for assessing the usefulness of in vitro embryo models.
• To emphasize the importance of stringent benchmarking for stem cell-based embryo models.

Main Methods:

• Overview of techniques for characterizing stem cell properties.
• Discussion of criteria for evaluating in vitro embryo model accuracy and utility.
• Consideration of benchmarking strategies for developmental models.

Main Results:

• Identified key properties of stem cells relevant to embryo modeling.
• Outlined approaches to assess how well in vitro models recapitulate in vivo development.
• Highlighted the necessity of rigorous evaluation for advancing the field.

Conclusions:

• Effective benchmarking is essential for validating stem cell-based embryo models.
• Accurate and useful in vitro models accelerate discoveries in developmental biology and disease.
• This review provides a framework for evaluating current and future embryo models.