title: Ectogenesis: what could be learned from novel in-vitro culture systems?
abstract: Early mammalian development consists of two distinct phases separated by the event of implantation. Whereas much has been discovered about developmental mechanisms prior to implantation, the inability to culture and follow in real time cell behaviour over the period of implantation means that the second phase has not been explored in as much detail. Recently, a novel in-vitro culture system was described that permits continuous culture and time-lapse observations through the peri- and early post-implantation stages. This system has already delivered detailed information on the cellular processes accompanying early morphogenesis and allowed direct connections to be established between events occurring at the two developmental phases. This review discusses the potential of this novel technology and its possible applications that could have not only impact on basic science but also practical implications for human medicine.
authors.affiliation: Wellcome Trust/CR UK Gurdon Institute, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK. ajj37@cam.ac.uk
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jedrusik
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology*; D009024:Morphogenesis; D044968:Regenerative Medicine