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Embryoid bodies as a model system for exploring early human embryonic development

Daria I Zhigalina1, Evgeny V Denisov2,3, Igor N Lebedev4

  • 1Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ushaika Street 10, Tomsk, 634050, Russia.

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
|June 17, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Embryoid bodies (EBs) derived from pluripotent stem cells closely replicate early human embryonic development. These EBs offer a powerful model for studying embryogenesis, advancing reproductive genetics and medicine.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Reproductive Medicine

Background:

  • Embryoid bodies (EBs) are three-dimensional aggregates of pluripotent stem cells.
  • They mimic early stages of embryonic development post-implantation.
  • Understanding EB formation and properties is crucial for developmental studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on embryoid bodies (EBs).
  • To evaluate EBs as a model for human embryonic development.
  • To compare embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in EB models.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and analysis of existing concepts on embryoid bodies.
  • Collection and analysis of data on EB characteristics and stem cell properties.
  • Comparative analysis of ESC- and iPSC-derived EB models.

Main Results:

  • EBs from pluripotent stem cells effectively model post-implantation human embryonic development.
  • Comparative analysis highlights advantages and limitations of ESC vs. iPSC models.
  • Limited single-cell RNA sequencing studies in human and mouse EBs are summarized.

Conclusions:

  • Embryoid bodies represent a valuable in vitro model for studying early human embryogenesis.
  • This model system holds significant potential for advancements in reproductive genetics and medicine.

Keywords:
Embryoid bodiesEmbryonic developmentInduced pluripotent stem cellsModel systemsSingle-cell sequencingTranscriptome

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