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Pluripotent Stem Cells as a Model for Human Embryogenesis

Daniela Ávila-González1,2, Mikel Ángel Gidi-Grenat2, Guadalupe García-López2

  • 1Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular y Bioingeniería de Tejidos, Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico.

Cells
|May 16, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) in 3D cultures mimic early human embryonic development. These models, including blastoids and gastruloids, offer new ways to study embryogenesis and cell interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Stem Cell Research
  • Experimental Embryology

Background:

  • Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are crucial for studying early embryonic development in vitro.
  • Traditional 2D PSC cultures do not fully capture the spatial organization of embryos.
  • Recent advances allow PSCs to form 3D structures mimicking embryonic stages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the use of PSC-derived 3D models in studying human embryogenesis.
  • To highlight how these models overcome limitations of traditional methods.
  • To explore the potential of blastoids, gastruloids, and other 3D aggregates.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) to create 3D in vitro models.
  • Employing techniques to form blastoids, gastruloids, and other embryonic aggregates.
  • Analyzing cell interactions, cytoarchitecture, and spatial organization within these 3D models.

Main Results:

  • PSCs can self-organize into complex 3D structures resembling blastocysts and gastrulas.
  • These 3D models simulate key events like amniotic cavity formation and somitogenesis.
  • 3D PSC aggregates enable the study of multiple cell lineage interactions.

Conclusions:

  • 3D PSC-derived models represent a breakthrough for studying human embryogenesis.
  • These models provide unprecedented insights into early developmental processes.
  • Experimental embryology is advancing through the use of blastoids and gastruloids.

Keywords:
amnionblastocystcell culture

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