Modeling human embryo development with embryonic and extra-embryonic stem cells

Early human post-implantation development involves extensive growth combined with a series of complex morphogenetic events. The lack of precise spatial and temporal control over these processes leads to pregnancy loss. Given the ethical and technical limitations in studying the natural human embryo,...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Developmental biology 2021-06, Vol.474, p.91-99
Main Authors: Weatherbee, Bailey A.T., Cui, Tongtong, Zernicka-Goetz, Magdalena
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Embryo, Mammalian - cytology
Embryo, Mammalian - metabolism
Embryoid Bodies - cytology
Embryoid Bodies - metabolism
Embryonic Development
Embryonic Stem Cells - cytology
Embryonic Stem Cells - metabolism
Germ Layers - cytology
Humans
Stem Cells - cytology
Stem Cells - metabolism
Trophoblasts - cytology
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Early human post-implantation development involves extensive growth combined with a series of complex morphogenetic events. The lack of precise spatial and temporal control over these processes leads to pregnancy loss. Given the ethical and technical limitations in studying the natural human embryo, alternative approaches are needed to investigate mechanisms underlying this critical stage of human development. Here, we present an overview of the different stem cells and stem cell-derived models which serve as useful, albeit imperfect, tools in understanding human embryogenesis. Current models include stem cells that represent each of the three earliest lineages: human embryonic stem cells corresponding to the epiblast, hypoblast-like stem cells and trophoblast stem cells. We also review the use of human embryonic stem cells to model complex aspects of epiblast morphogenesis and differentiation. Additionally, we propose that the combination of both embryonic and extra-embryonic stem cells to form three-dimensional embryo models will provide valuable insights into cell-cell chemical and mechanical interactions that are essential for natural embryogenesis. •Human stem cells are complementary tools to study early embryogenesis•Embryonic stem cells can mimic aspects of epiblast development•3D culture of embryonic stem cells recapitulates aspects of epiblast morphology•Prospect of combining embryonic & extra-embryonic stem cells to model early embryo
ISSN:0012-1606
1095-564X
1095-564X
DOI:10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.12.010