Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
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Generation of Aggregates of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells that Show Symmetry Breaking, Polarization and Emergent Collective Behaviour In Vitro
Published on: November 24, 2015
Generation of 3D Hemogenic Gastruloids From Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Ylenia Cicirò1,2,3, Cristina Pina1,4,5, Denise Ragusa2,3
1Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Bio-Protocol
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed hemogenic gastruloids (haemGx) from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) to model early blood formation. This novel system accurately recapitulates embryonic hematopoiesis and generates accurate hematopoietic progenitors in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Hematopoiesis
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Embryonic blood formation is complex, involving multiple cell types and environments.
- Current in vitro models using embryonic stem cells (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) lack the spatial and temporal complexity of embryonic hematopoiesis.
- Gastruloid models show promise in recapitulating early embryonic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a protocol for generating hemogenic gastruloids (haemGx) from mouse ESC (mESC).
- To create an in vitro model that captures the multi-stage, multi-niche process of embryonic blood formation.
- To generate developmentally accurate hematopoietic progenitors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mouse ESC (mESC) to generate hemogenic gastruloids (haemGx).
- Employed a protocol designed for spatiotemporal control mimicking embryonic development.
- Scaled the protocol for high-throughput applications using a 96-well format.
Main Results:
- The haemGx protocol successfully generated developmentally accurate endothelial and hematopoietic precursor/progenitor cells.
- Achieved spatiotemporal control closely recapitulating key embryonic developmental aspects.
- Demonstrated reproducibility across multiple mESC lines and genetic backgrounds.
Conclusions:
- The haemGx model effectively recapitulates embryonic hematopoiesis in vitro.
- This model is valuable for studying embryonic blood formation and infant leukemia with embryonic origins.
- The protocol enables scalable, high-throughput generation of developmental blood cell types.
