Forming model embryos in the lab: the backstory

In a recently published Nature paper, the laboratory of Nicolas Rivron (MERLN Institute & Hubrecht Institute) showed that mouse stem cells self-organize into entities remarkably resembling an early conceptus/embryo. They termed these entities blastoids, as an analogy to the blastocyst, their natural counterpart. Because blastoids can be generated in large numbers, can be finely manipulated, and implant in utero, they are a powerful tool to investigate the principles of pre- and post-implantation development.

The Company of Biologists asked Nicolas to expose the backstory of their discovery and why it is important for science and medicine. Read the full story.