In May 2023, a multicenter study led by Professor Tao Tan and his team at Kunming University of Science and Technology was published in the top international academic journal Cell (IF=66.85). The title of the study is "Ex utero monkey embryogenesis from blastocyst to early organogenesis." This research marks the first international exploration of early hematopoiesis in monkeys, unveiling the mysterious process of hematopoietic lineage specification in the early monkey embryo. It also initiates a new perspective and journey in the field of hematopoietic development, involving cross-species studies using humans, monkeys, and mice. It is worth mentioning that the study was also recently selected as one of the "Top 10 Advances in Chinese Hematology Research in 2023."
This is groundbreaking research. Researchers have developed an embedded three-dimensional (3D) culture system for monkey embryos, enabling in vitro culturing up to 25 days post-fertilization, overcoming previous limitations.
The Enhanced Monkey Ex Utero Culture (EMEUC) system, using Matrigel and optimized conditions, allowed for morphological, histological, and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses of cultured embryos.Cultured embryos showed growth and resembled in vivo embryos at Carnegie Stage 8c by 25 days. scRNA-seq revealed various cell lineages.
Neuroectoderm specification was observed, along with neural plate markers, neural plate progenitors (NPPs), and neural-plate-border-like cells (NPBLCs).The EMEUC system recapitulated mesoderm differentiation and yolk sac hematopoiesis.
The study’s EMEUC system offers insights into primate embryogenesis, advancing our understanding of human development, disease modeling, and assisted reproductive technologies. Identification of cell lineages and differentiation patterns contributes to developmental biology. It also addresses ethical concerns by reducing the need for in vivo embryos.
This research revolutionizes primate embryogenesis study, benefiting scientific and medical advancements. It offers new insights into embryonic development, potentially leading to therapeutic approaches for developmental disorders and diseases. The EMEUC system’s versatility allows studying various developmental processes in a controlled environment, promoting responsible research practices.
In summary, Tan et al.’s research is a paradigm shift in primate embryogenesis study, with profound implications for scientific knowledge and human health.
