Almost like a real one
Scientists are closer to creating an artificial embryo from stem cells
Yulia Krasilnikova, Hi-tech+
An international group of scientists in the laboratory has obtained a semblance of a mouse embryo created from animal stem cells. The researchers managed not only to create an artificial embryo, but also to stimulate the gastrulation process in it – the most important stage in the development of the embryo. The results of the study were published in the journal Nature Cell Biology (Sozen et al., Self-assembly of embryonic and two extra-embryonic stem cell types into gastrulating embryo-like structures – VM).
The discovery of an international team of scientists brings one step closer to the creation of artificial embryos based on three types of stem cells. After fertilization by a sperm, the mammalian egg repeatedly divides, forming a small ball of three types of stem cells: embryonic, extraembryonic trophoblastic and primitive endodermal. The first type forms the body of the embryo, the second – the placenta, and the third – the yolk sac.
Previously, a team of researchers managed to create a semblance of an artificial mouse embryo based on the first two types of cells. To do this, they used embryonic and extraembryonic trophoblastic stem cells, as well as a three-dimensional framework that served as an extracellular matrix. As a result, the scientists grew an embryo-like structure, the cells of which communicated with each other and "suggested" to each other what place they should take in the emerging embryo.
However, the cells were not able to reach the most important stage in the development of the embryo – gastrulation. During this process, the embryo develops three layers: inner (endoderm), middle (mesoderm) and outer (ectoderm).
Scientists could not reproduce this process because they lacked the most important component – primitive endodermal stem cells. After adding the missing element, the artificial mouse embryo moved on to the gastrulation stage.
Gastrulation occurs when a single-layer blastula sticks inwards. The ectoderm is blue. The endoderm is green. Blastocele is yellow. The primary gut is purple. Picture: Abigail Pyne, Wikipedia.
"Our artificial embryos have passed the most important stage of life formation in laboratory conditions. Now they are as close as possible to real embryos," the head of the study, Magdalena Zernika–Goetz, is quoted by Science Daily.
"For further development, they only need to gain a foothold in the mother's body or join the artificial placenta," the researcher added.
Scientists plan to further investigate the relationship between the three types of stem cells during embryo development. According to Zernik-Goetz, the discovery will allow us to study not only the stages of development of the mouse embryo, but also other mammals, including humans. At the same time, scientists will not need to use real human embryos.
In Britain, the law prohibits scientists from conducting laboratory tests using embryos older than 14 days. Artificial embryos can be studied at any stage of development. As Zernik-Goetz notes, pregnancy is often interrupted at an early stage in the first weeks, however, due to limitations, this period is little studied.
In parallel with attempts to create an artificial embryo, biologists and embryologists around the world are developing methods of treating a child even before his birth. So, recently, a team of scientists from Yale and Carnegie Mellon University managed to rid unborn mice of the symptoms of beta-thalassemia. Another group of researchers has found a way to combat another hereditary disease – Gaucher syndrome. Experts predict that the treatment of diseases in the womb will become standard practice in 10 years.
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