Human embryo-like models have been created in the laboratory for the first time by reprogramming embryonic stem cells, according to research.
Disclosure: Dr Sheena Meredith has disclosed no relevant financial relationships
Commentators cautioned that the science was outpacing the law, and urged that a clear governance framework for such research was needed."Our human model is the first three-lineage human embryo model that specifies amnion and germ cells, precursor cells of egg and sperm," Prof Żernicka-Goetzbefore her presentation to the meeting. "It's beautiful, and created entirely from embryonic stem cells.
While UK regulations do not permit culturing of human embryos beyond 14 days, the entities created from stem cells are considered 'integrated embryo models', and so can be cultured "for a minimum amount of time", but without a set time limit, she pointed out.Until now an embryo and an 'integrated embryo model' were two separate things, as the latter didn't possess the capability of growing further or implanting.
In normal development this is the time that the embryo begins the process of implantation and establishing pregnancy. "We know remarkably little about this step in human development, but it is a time where many pregnancies are lost, especially in an IVF setting," he said. "Models that can enable us to study this period are urgently needed to help to understand infertility and early pregnancy loss.
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