Made from Scratch

For the first time, researchers have successfully built an artificial embryo-like structure from stem cells. This breakthrough was achieved by combining mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs; which give rise to the embryo proper) with trophoblast stem cells (TSCs; which form the placenta) around a 3D scaffold. The resulting artificial embryo (pictured, left, with ESCs in red and TSCs in blue), mimicked the development of a natural mouse embryo (on the right), though it would not eventually produce a viable foetus. As a technically difficult and ethically-sensitive field of study, the first stages of embryonic development are relatively poorly-understood. Artificial embryos present an opportunity for more extensive research on early human development, which currently relies on donations from IVF clinics. Already demonstrating that communication between ESCs and TSCs is crucial for embryonic development, this system could ultimately be used to help us understand why problems occur during pregnancy.

Written by Emmanuelle Briolat

Emmanuelle Briolat

Writer

A researcher specialising in visual signals in Lepidoptera, camouflage and the effects of light pollution, Emmanuelle’s writing covers a range of topics, from biomedical research to children’s books about moth defences.

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• Image by Sarah Harrison and Gaelle Recher, Zernicka-Goetz Lab, University of Cambridge
• Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Cambridge UK
• Image copyright held by original authors
• Research published in Science, March 2017