Artificial embryos created using stem cells for first time

An artificial mouse embryo-like structure has been created by scientists using stem cells for the first time.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have used a combination of genetically-modified embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), together with a 3D scaffold, to grow a structure capable of assembling itself into something very closely resembling a natural embryo.

In nature, fertilised eggs subdivide to generate a free-floating cluster of stem cells, with ESCs banding together towards one end to form the body, while the TSCs become the placenta and yolk sac.

Prior embryo-like structures have used only ESCs with limited success, because the development process requires the two cell types to coordinate closely. By contrast, this new model features anatomically correct regions that develop in the right place, at the right time.

It is expected that this breakthrough will deliver fresh insights into the early stages of embryo development – knowledge that may help to explain why a significant number of human pregnancies fail at this point.

Study leader Professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, from the department of physiology, development and neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, said: "We are very optimistic that this will allow us to study key events of this critical stage of human development without actually having to work on embryos."

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