Formation of human prostate tissue from embryonic stem cells

Rodent models and immortalized or genetically modified Cell Lines are frequently used-but have limited utility-for studying human prostate development and maturation. Using rodent mesenchyme to establish reciprocal mesenchymal-epithelial Cell interactions with human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), we generated human prostate tissue expressing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) within 8-12 weeks. This human prostate model shows species-conserved signalling mechanisms that could extend to integumental, gastrointestinal and genital tissues.