Three-Dimensional Models of Implantation Using Human Stem Cells: Scientific Insights and Broader Considerations
The ability to model the earliest stages of human embryonic development in vitro using pluripotent stem cells offers researchers new ways to understand and interrogate the intricacies of implantation. It also raises important ethical and regulatory considerations, both those common to research invol...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Biomolecules |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/15/7/1023 |
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| author | Megan Munsie Jock K. Findlay |
| author_facet | Megan Munsie Jock K. Findlay |
| author_sort | Megan Munsie |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The ability to model the earliest stages of human embryonic development in vitro using pluripotent stem cells offers researchers new ways to understand and interrogate the intricacies of implantation. It also raises important ethical and regulatory considerations, both those common to research involving human embryos, as well as those unique to stem cell-based embryo and endometrial models. This review examines the underpinning scientific discoveries that have led to the development of this rapidly expanding area of research, and how three-dimensional embryo models could be employed in advancing assisted reproductive technologies and understanding implantation failure. Importantly, we also discuss the ethical and legal implications and explore various governance models that have been proposed to foster responsibility and innovation in this area of research. Given the heightened interest in the scientific community on this topic, we finish on the question of how and when to involve the public in the development of this technology and its regulation. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0194a8b4cbde4bbf95e38e6338b39dc6 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2218-273X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Biomolecules |
| spelling | doaj-art-0194a8b4cbde4bbf95e38e6338b39dc62025-08-20T02:45:37ZengMDPI AGBiomolecules2218-273X2025-07-01157102310.3390/biom15071023Three-Dimensional Models of Implantation Using Human Stem Cells: Scientific Insights and Broader ConsiderationsMegan Munsie0Jock K. Findlay1Stem Cell Medicine Theme, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, AustraliaCentre for Endocrinology & Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, AustraliaThe ability to model the earliest stages of human embryonic development in vitro using pluripotent stem cells offers researchers new ways to understand and interrogate the intricacies of implantation. It also raises important ethical and regulatory considerations, both those common to research involving human embryos, as well as those unique to stem cell-based embryo and endometrial models. This review examines the underpinning scientific discoveries that have led to the development of this rapidly expanding area of research, and how three-dimensional embryo models could be employed in advancing assisted reproductive technologies and understanding implantation failure. Importantly, we also discuss the ethical and legal implications and explore various governance models that have been proposed to foster responsibility and innovation in this area of research. Given the heightened interest in the scientific community on this topic, we finish on the question of how and when to involve the public in the development of this technology and its regulation.https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/15/7/1023stem cell-based embryo modelsblastoidsimplantationembryo researchregulationpolicy |
| spellingShingle | Megan Munsie Jock K. Findlay Three-Dimensional Models of Implantation Using Human Stem Cells: Scientific Insights and Broader Considerations Biomolecules stem cell-based embryo models blastoids implantation embryo research regulation policy |
| title | Three-Dimensional Models of Implantation Using Human Stem Cells: Scientific Insights and Broader Considerations |
| title_full | Three-Dimensional Models of Implantation Using Human Stem Cells: Scientific Insights and Broader Considerations |
| title_fullStr | Three-Dimensional Models of Implantation Using Human Stem Cells: Scientific Insights and Broader Considerations |
| title_full_unstemmed | Three-Dimensional Models of Implantation Using Human Stem Cells: Scientific Insights and Broader Considerations |
| title_short | Three-Dimensional Models of Implantation Using Human Stem Cells: Scientific Insights and Broader Considerations |
| title_sort | three dimensional models of implantation using human stem cells scientific insights and broader considerations |
| topic | stem cell-based embryo models blastoids implantation embryo research regulation policy |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/15/7/1023 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT meganmunsie threedimensionalmodelsofimplantationusinghumanstemcellsscientificinsightsandbroaderconsiderations AT jockkfindlay threedimensionalmodelsofimplantationusinghumanstemcellsscientificinsightsandbroaderconsiderations |