Mouse stem cell derived-synthetic embryo models: a tool to study early embryo development

Different stem cells can be aggregated to promote development into synthetic embryo in vitro culture systems, providing a clear understanding of early embryonic development. Recent researches indicate that with the advancement of culture conditions, stem cells can self-organize to entire synthetic embryos closely resembling natural embryos, and recapitulate essential events in the embryonic development process, even neurulation and early organogenesis. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the cellular characteristics of stem cells and research progress of synthetic embryos, and further discuss the challenging issues that need to be solved. Therefore, synthetic embryo has significant applicational value in the field of embryonic development and stem cell biology.