Stem cell-based models of embryos: The need for improved naming conventions

Matthews, Kirstin R.W.; Wagner, Daniel S.; Warmflash, Aryeh

doi:10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.02.018

Cited by 16 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…In this context the suffix “oid” is well known to refer to similarity without identity. Additionally, a more detailed nomenclature should be established to specifically describe the utilities and limitations of the different models for scientists and policymakers [ 4 ].…”

Section: Current Developments In Human Embryoid Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Embryoid research calls for reassessment of legal regulations

Hengstschläger

Rosner

2021

Stem Cell Res Ther

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It is known that in countries, in which basic research on human embryos is in fact prohibited by law, working with imported human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can still be permitted. As long as hESCs are not capable of development into a complete human being, it might be the case that they do not fulfill all criteria of the local definition of an embryo. Recent research demonstrates that hESCs can be developed into entities, called embryoids, which increasingly could come closer to actual human embryos in future. By discussing the Austrian situation, we want to highlight that current embryoid research could affect the prevailing opinion on the legal status of work with hESCs and therefore calls for reassessment of the regulations in all countries with comparable definitions of the embryo.

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Section: Current Developments In Human Embryoid Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Embryoid research calls for reassessment of legal regulations

Hengstschläger

Rosner

2021

Stem Cell Res Ther

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“…The experimental production of complex structures resembling mammalian embryos (or parts of them) from stem cells in vitro has recently become a rapidly growing research field (for reviews, see [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]). Depending on the degree of structural complexity, various types of such embryoids can be distinguished.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Autonomy in the Development of Stem Cell-Derived Embryoids: Sprouting Blastocyst-Like Cysts, and Ethical Implications

Denker

2021

Cells

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The experimental production of complex structures resembling mammalian embryos (e.g., blastoids, gastruloids) from pluripotent stem cells in vitro has become a booming research field. Since some of these embryoid models appear to reach a degree of complexity that may come close to viability, a broad discussion has set in with the aim to arrive at a consensus on the ethical implications with regard to acceptability of the use of this technology with human cells. The present text focuses on aspects of the gain of organismic wholeness of such stem cell-derived constructs, and of autonomy of self-organization, raised by recent reports on blastocyst-like cysts spontaneously budding in mouse stem cell cultures, and by previous reports on likewise spontaneous formation of gastrulating embryonic disc-like structures in primate models. Mechanisms of pattern (axis) formation in early embryogenesis are discussed in the context of self-organization of stem cell clusters. It is concluded that ethical aspects of development of organismic wholeness in the formation of embryoids need to receive more attention in the present discussions about new legal regulations in this field.

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“…These impediments can be circumvented by constructing embryo-like structures with pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) in vitro (reviewed by Baillie-Benson et al, 2020 ; Ghimire et al, 2021 ; Shahbazi et al, 2019 ; Veenvliet and Herrmann, 2021 ) ( Table 1 ). Several umbrella terms have been suggested for the resulting structures, but consensus has not been reached ( Matthews et al, 2021 ). Here, we refer to the structures as stembryos and the research field as stembryogenesis ( Box 1 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sculpting with stem cells: how models of embryo development take shape

et al. 2021

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During embryogenesis, organisms acquire their shape given boundary conditions that impose geometrical, mechanical and biochemical constraints. A detailed integrative understanding how these morphogenetic information modules pattern and shape the mammalian embryo is still lacking, mostly owing to the inaccessibility of the embryo in vivo for direct observation and manipulation. These impediments are circumvented by the developmental engineering of embryo-like structures (stembryos) from pluripotent stem cells that are easy to access, track, manipulate and scale. Here, we explain how unlocking distinct levels of embryo-like architecture through controlled modulations of the cellular environment enables the identification of minimal sets of mechanical and biochemical inputs necessary to pattern and shape the mammalian embryo. We detail how this can be complemented with precise measurements and manipulations of tissue biochemistry, mechanics and geometry across spatial and temporal scales to provide insights into the mechanochemical feedback loops governing embryo morphogenesis. Finally, we discuss how, even in the absence of active manipulations, stembryos display intrinsic phenotypic variability that can be leveraged to define the constraints that ensure reproducible morphogenesis in vivo.

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Stem cell-based models of embryos: The need for improved naming conventions

Cited by 16 publications

References 36 publications

Embryoid research calls for reassessment of legal regulations

Embryoid research calls for reassessment of legal regulations

Autonomy in the Development of Stem Cell-Derived Embryoids: Sprouting Blastocyst-Like Cysts, and Ethical Implications

Sculpting with stem cells: how models of embryo development take shape

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