151
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Yang J, Fu H, Tam C, Liu P. Expanded potential: the key to synthetic embryo? Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 64:72-77. [PMID: 32653814 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
How does an embryo acquire totipotency and develop into an adult is a fundamental scientific question. Stem cells derived from pre-implantation embryos or reprogrammed from somatic cells with totipotency features have been established. They have enriched molecular features, including transcription, epigenetic modification, chromatin structure and metabolism, similar to early embryos from 2 cell (2C) to morula. Functionally, they display a broader developmental potential to differentiate into cell types in the embryonic and extraembryonic tissues. The expanded developmental potential was further demonstrated by inducing these stem cells into embryo-like structures alone or aggregating with other embryo-derived stem cells. The synthetic embryo-like structures not only facilitate the dissection of key events in early embryonic development, but also serve as a model for investigating pregnancy related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yang
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China.
| | - Haifeng Fu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Consortium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Cheryl Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Consortium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Pentao Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Consortium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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152
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Baillie-Benson P, Moris N, Martinez Arias A. Pluripotent stem cell models of early mammalian development. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2020; 66:89-96. [PMID: 32645551 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells derived from the early mammalian embryo offer a convenient model system for studying cell fate decisions in embryogenesis. The last 10 years have seen a boom in the popularity of two-dimensional micropatterns and three-dimensional stem cell culture systems as a way to recreate the architecture and interactions of particular cell populations during development. These methods enable the controlled exploration of cellular organization and patterning during development, using cell lines instead of embryos. They have established a new class of in vitro model system for pre-implantation and peri-implantation embryogenesis, ranging from models of the blastocyst stage, through gastrulation and toward early organogenesis. This review aims to set these systems in context and to highlight the strengths and suitability of each approach in modelling early mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Baillie-Benson
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Naomi Moris
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Alfonso Martinez Arias
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK.
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153
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Ban Z, Knöspel F, Schneider MR. Shedding light into the black box: Advances in in vitro systems for studying implantation. Dev Biol 2020; 463:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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154
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Gómez-Redondo I, Ramos-Ibeas P, Pericuesta E, Fernández-González R, Laguna-Barraza R, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Minor Splicing Factors Zrsr1 and Zrsr2 Are Essential for Early Embryo Development and 2-Cell-Like Conversion. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4115. [PMID: 32527007 PMCID: PMC7312986 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Minor splicing plays an important role in vertebrate development. Zrsr1 and Zrsr2 paralog genes have essential roles in alternative splicing, mainly participating in the recognition of minor (U12) introns. To further explore their roles during early embryo development, we produced Zrsr1mu and Zrsr2mu mutant mice, containing truncating mutations within the second zinc finger domain. Both homozygous mutant mice were viable with a normal lifespan. When we crossed a homozygous Zrsr2mu/mu female with Zrsr1mu/mu male, the double heterozygotes were non-viable, giving rise to embryos that stopped developing mainly between the 2- and 4-cell stages, just after zygotic gene activation. RNA-seq analysis of Zrsr1/2mu 2-cell embryos showed altered gene and isoform expression of thousands of genes enriched in gene ontology terms and biological pathways related to ribosome, RNA transport, spliceosome, and essential zygotic gene activation steps. Alternative splicing was analyzed, showing a significant increase in intron retention in both U2 and U12 intron-containing genes related to cell cycle and mitotic nuclear division. Remarkably, both Zrsr1 and Zrsr2 were required for the conversion of mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells into 2C-like cells. According to our results, Zrsr1 or Zrsr2 are necessary for ZGA and both are indispensable for the conversion of induced pluripotent stem cells into 2C-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro n° 12. Local 10, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (I.G.-R.); (P.R.-I.); (E.P.); (R.F.-G.); (R.L.-B.)
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155
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Samal P, Maurer P, van Blitterswijk C, Truckenmüller R, Giselbrecht S. A New Microengineered Platform for 4D Tracking of Single Cells in a Stem-Cell-Based In Vitro Morphogenesis Model. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1907966. [PMID: 32346909 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201907966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recently developed stem-cell-based in vitro models of morphogenesis can help shed light on the mechanisms involved in embryonic patterning. These models are showcased using traditional cell culture platforms and materials, which allow limited control over the biological system and usually do not support high-content imaging. In contrast, using advanced microengineered tools can help in microscale control, long-term culture, and real-time data acquisition from such biological models and aid in elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Here, a new culturing, manipulation and analysis platform is described to study in vitro morphogenesis using thin polycarbonate film-based microdevices. A pipeline consisting of open-source software to quantify 3D cell movement using 4D image acquisition is developed to analyze cell migration within the multicellular clusters. It is shown that the platform can be used to control and study morphogenesis in non-adherent cultures of the P19C5 mouse stem cell line and mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) that show symmetry breaking and axial elongation events similar to early embryonic development. Using the new platform, it is found that localized cell proliferation and coordinated cell migration result in elongation morphogenesis of the P19C5 aggregates. Further, it is found that polarization and elongation of mESC aggregates are dependent on directed cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinak Samal
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Philipp Maurer
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens van Blitterswijk
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Roman Truckenmüller
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Giselbrecht
- MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229 ER, The Netherlands
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156
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Synthetic human embryology: towards a quantitative future. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 63:30-35. [PMID: 32172182 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Study of early human embryo development is essential for advancing reproductive and regenerative medicine. Traditional human embryological studies rely on embryonic tissue specimens, which are difficult to acquire due to technical challenges and ethical restrictions. The availability of human stem cells with developmental potentials comparable to pre-implantation and peri-implantation human embryonic and extraembryonic cells, together with properly engineered in vitro culture environments, allow for the first time researchers to generate self-organized multicellular structures in vitro that mimic the structural and molecular features of their in vivo counterparts. The development of these stem cell-based, synthetic human embryo models offers a paradigm-shifting experimental system for quantitative measurements and perturbations of multicellular development, critical for advancing human embryology and reproductive and regenerative medicine without using intact human embryos.
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157
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Hadjantonakis AK, Siggia ED, Simunovic M. In vitro modeling of early mammalian embryogenesis. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2020; 13:134-143. [PMID: 32440574 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic embryology endeavors to use stem cells to recapitulate the first steps of mammalian development that define the body axes and first stages of fate assignment. Well-engineered synthetic systems provide an unparalleled assay to disentangle and quantify the contributions of individual tissues as well as the molecular components driving embryogenesis. Experiments using a mixture of mouse embryonic and extra-embryonic stem cell lines show a surprising degree of self-organization akin to certain milestones in the development of intact mouse embryos. To further advance the field and extend the mouse results to human, it is crucial to develop a better control of the assembly process as well as to establish a deeper understanding of the developmental state and potency of cells used in experiments at each step of the process. We review recent advances in the derivation of embryonic and extraembryonic stem cells, and we highlight recent efforts in reconstructing the structural and signaling aspects of embryogenesis in three-dimensional tissue cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eric D Siggia
- Center for Studies in Physics and Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mijo Simunovic
- Center for Studies in Physics and Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia Univerisity, 116 and Broadway, New York, NY 10025
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158
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Le R, Huang Y, Zhao A, Gao S. Lessons from expanded potential of embryonic stem cells: Moving toward totipotency. J Genet Genomics 2020; 47:123-130. [PMID: 32305172 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells possess fascinating capacity of self-renewal and developmental potential, leading to significant progress in understanding the molecular basis of pluripotency, disease modeling, and reprogramming technology. Recently, 2-cell-like embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and expanded potential stem cells or extended pluripotent stem cells (EPSCs) generated from early-cleavage embryos display some features of totipotent embryos. These cell lines provide valuable in vitro models to study underlying principles of totipotency, cell plasticity, and lineage segregation. In this review, we summarize the current progress in this filed and highlight the application potentials of these cells in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Le
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yixin Huang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Anqi Zhao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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159
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Dong C, Beltcheva M, Gontarz P, Zhang B, Popli P, Fischer LA, Khan SA, Park KM, Yoon EJ, Xing X, Kommagani R, Wang T, Solnica-Krezel L, Theunissen TW. Derivation of trophoblast stem cells from naïve human pluripotent stem cells. eLife 2020; 9:e52504. [PMID: 32048992 PMCID: PMC7062471 DOI: 10.7554/elife.52504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Naïve human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) provide a unique experimental platform of cell fate decisions during pre-implantation development, but their lineage potential remains incompletely characterized. As naïve hPSCs share transcriptional and epigenomic signatures with trophoblast cells, it has been proposed that the naïve state may have enhanced predisposition for differentiation along this extraembryonic lineage. Here we examined the trophoblast potential of isogenic naïve and primed hPSCs. We found that naïve hPSCs can directly give rise to human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) and undergo further differentiation into both extravillous and syncytiotrophoblast. In contrast, primed hPSCs do not support hTSC derivation, but give rise to non-self-renewing cytotrophoblasts in response to BMP4. Global transcriptome and chromatin accessibility analyses indicate that hTSCs derived from naïve hPSCs are similar to blastocyst-derived hTSCs and acquire features of post-implantation trophectoderm. The derivation of hTSCs from naïve hPSCs will enable elucidation of early mechanisms that govern normal human trophoblast development and associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Dong
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Mariana Beltcheva
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Paul Gontarz
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Pooja Popli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Laura A Fischer
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Shafqat A Khan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Kyoung-mi Park
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Eun-Ja Yoon
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Xiaoyun Xing
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Ramakrishna Kommagani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Ting Wang
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Lilianna Solnica-Krezel
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
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160
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Gu Z, Guo J, Wang H, Wen Y, Gu Q. Bioengineered microenvironment to culture early embryos. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12754. [PMID: 31916359 PMCID: PMC7046478 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The abnormalities of early post-implantation embryos can lead to early pregnancy loss and many other syndromes. However, it is hard to study embryos after implantation due to the limited accessibility. The success of embryo culture in vitro can avoid the challenges of embryonic development in vivo and provide a powerful research platform for research in developmental biology. The biophysical and chemical cues of the microenvironments impart significant spatiotemporal effects on embryonic development. Here, we summarize the main strategies which enable researchers to grow embryos outside of the body while overcoming the implantation barrier, highlight the roles of engineered microenvironments in regulating early embryonic development, and finally discuss the future challenges and new insights of early embryo culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Gu
- School of Chemistry and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio‐inspired Materials and Interfacial ScienceTechnical Institute of Physics and ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jia Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yongqiang Wen
- School of Chemistry and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
| | - Qi Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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161
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A decade of human ARTs: On the likenesses of being a gamete, embryo, or organ. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:2401-2402. [PMID: 31813101 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01655-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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162
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A mouse blastocyst-like structure from scratch. Nat Methods 2019; 16:1207. [PMID: 31780830 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-019-0674-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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163
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick P L Tam
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
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