Organoids as Novel Models for Embryo Implantation Study

Reprod Sci. 2021 Jun;28(6):1637-1643. doi: 10.1007/s43032-021-00501-w. Epub 2021 Mar 1.

Abstract

In the last decade, organoids have become emerging novel models for biomedical research. Organoids are small, self-organized three-dimensional (3D) tissue cultures derived from stem cells that mimic certain tissues or organs. In reproductive medicine, researchers have generated numerous organoids including blastoid (blastocyst organoid), endometrial organoid, and trophoblast organoid. These organdies provide useful models for studying the embryo implantation mechanism through observation of cell differentiation, gene expression, and epigenetic profiles at the implantation stage. As in vitro tissue models, organoids could be coupled with many other frontier technologies such as gene editing and genomic sequencing. However, the main drawback of organoids is that they do not fully mimic their counterparts in vivo tissues. Furthermore, there is a consensus of research ethics on organoids that may limit the types of studies that scientists perform with. Nevertheless, all discoveries and efforts surrounding organoids still greatly benefit therapy development for reproductive clinics.

Keywords: Blastoid; Embryo implantation; Endometrium; Organoid; Trophoblast.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomedical Research / ethics
  • Biomedical Research / methods
  • Blastocyst
  • Cell Culture Techniques, Three Dimensional
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Embryo Implantation*
  • Endometrium
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Organoids*
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Stem Cells
  • Trophoblasts