Opportunities and challenges with stem cell-based embryo models

Stem cell-based embryo models open an unprecedented avenue for modeling embryogenesis, cell lineage differentiation, tissue morphogenesis, and organogenesis in mammalian development. Experimentation on these embryo models can lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of development and offers op-portunities for functional genomic studies of disease-causing mechanisms, identification of therapeutic targets, and preclinical modeling of advanced therapeutics for precision medicine. An im-mediate challenge is to create embryo models of high fidelity to embryogenesis and organogenesis in vivo, to ensure that the knowledge gleaned is biologically meaningful and clinically rele-vant.

Automated summary

Stem cell-based embryo models offer a new approach for studying mammalian development, with important implications for disease mechanisms, therapeutic targets, and precision medicine models.