Stem Cell-Derived Gastruloid Model for Peri-Implantation Embryo Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current models lack an ideal research model for human peri-implantation embryonic development, particularly in simulating the key structures of the embryo such as the bilaminar germ disc and yolk sac, and the development process of the human primitive endoderm has not been fully observed.
Innovation Solution
A method is established to induce pluripotent stem cells into gastruloids in vitro, replicating key embryonic structures like the bilaminar germ disc, amniotic cavity, and primitive streak, verified at the protein and transcriptome levels, using specific culture media and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human embryos are cultured in vitro to study early development, then understanding of embryonic development mechanisms is improved, but technical and ethical restrictions and limited sample numbers prevent comprehensive research
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates gastruloid models that copy and replicate the key structures and developmental processes of human embryos (bilaminar germ disc, amniotic cavity, primitive streak) without using actual human embryos. This copying approach allows comprehensive developmental studies while avoiding the technical and ethical constraints of working with real embryos.
2Shape
If previous models attempt to simulate post-implantation embryonic development, then three-dimensional structure is improved, but key embryonic structures such as bilaminar germ disc and yolk sac are missing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by first inducing naïve human pluripotent stem cells to form pre-implantation embryoids with complete key structures (bilaminar germ disc, amniotic cavity, yolk sac), and then extending development to post-implantation stages. This preliminary formation of essential structures ensures they are present throughout the simulated development process.
3Device complexity
If the general development process of human primitive endoderm is not observed, then model simplicity is maintained, but comprehensive understanding of embryonic development is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by using single-cell multi-omics sequencing and fluorescence imaging technology to continuously monitor and verify the development process. This allows observation of primitive endoderm development and other developmental events while maintaining model tractability through automated detection methods.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a stem cell-derived gastruloid model, method for constructing same, and use thereof. The gastruloid model is constructed in vitro from human pluripotent stem cells, and simulated the biological events of early embryonic development and the key structures of the embryo to a certain extent, such as the development of primitive endoderm, the establishment of bilaminar germ disc, the appearance of the amniotic cavity and amniotic cells, and the appearance of the primitive streak and the like, which has been verified at both the protein level and the transcriptome level, and the key features of embryos from the peri-implantation period to the gastrula period could be well reproduced. This model can be induced in batches as a drug screening model for early embryos and environmental toxicants and the like, thereby providing safety testing for the use of drugs for certain clinical patients in early pregnancy and so on.