Bovine blastocyst-like structures derived from stem cell cultures

Cell Stem Cell. 2023 May 4;30(5):611-616.e7. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.04.003.

Abstract

Understanding the mechanisms of blastocyst formation and implantation is critical for improving farm animal reproduction but is hampered by a limited supply of embryos. Here, we developed an efficient method to generate bovine blastocyst-like structures (termed blastoids) via assembling bovine trophoblast stem cells and expanded potential stem cells. Bovine blastoids resemble blastocysts in morphology, cell composition, single-cell transcriptomes, in vitro growth, and the ability to elicit maternal recognition of pregnancy following transfer to recipient cows. Bovine blastoids represent an accessible in vitro model for studying embryogenesis and improving reproductive efficiency in livestock species.

Keywords: Bovine-blastocyst-like structures; blastoids; bovine blastoids; bovine embryonic stem cells; bovine expanded potential stem cells; bovine trophoblast stem cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blastocyst*
  • Cattle
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Embryo Implantation
  • Embryonic Development
  • Female
  • Pregnancy
  • Stem Cells
  • Trophoblasts*