Researchers use mouse stem cells to develop embryonic structures with an intestine, a rudimentary brain, and a beating heart.
Scientists from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have created the world’s first “synthetic embryo” of mice. In such a groundbreaking feat, they circumvented the need for sperm, eggs, and fertilization. This was reported by The Guardian.
In the test, the researchers found that mouse stem cells could self-assemble into early embryonic structures, complete with an intestine, an immature brain, and a beating heart.
According to scientists, the “synthetic embryo” was created without fertilized eggs, which in the near future will contribute to a deeper understanding of how organs and tissues are formed during the development of natural ones. that embryo.
The researchers also believe the work could reduce animal experiments and ultimately pave the way for new sources of cells and tissues for human organ transplants. For example, skin cells from a leukemia patient can be converted into bone marrow stem cells to treat their condition.
“It is remarkable that we show that embryonic stem cells form whole synthetic embryos. We are really excited about this work and its implications,” said professor and study supervisor Jacob Hanna.
According to the publication, last year, the same team described how they created a womb that allowed natural mouse embryos to grow outside of it for a few days. In the same study, scientists used their invention to grow stem cells. This process took more than a week, about half the time the mice were pregnant.
Most stem cells fail to form embryonic structures, but in about 0.5% of cases, tissues and organs are created.
It was previously reported that a team of scientists was able to restore blood flow and cell function in the bodies of pigs that had been dead for an hour.
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Source: korrespondent
