Researchers, headed by Idse Heemskerk, have taken important steps to a versatile experimental model widely used in developmental biology, known as gastruloids. This advancement unlocks new, unprecedented investigations into the development of embryos. Gastruloids are three-dimensional structures that recapitulate early embryonic development. In the past, researchers could culture them in vitro for just two days. Still, Heemskerk and colleagues have made significant upgrades to this model, increasing its longevity and usability.
The team made a number of changes to the gastruloid model, with one of the key things being different culturing media. These improvements have pushed gastruloids to form much more sophisticated structures after just four days. Over the course of several days, the gastruloids experience a process similar to that of gastrulation, in which a primitive streak of cells forms. This streak is crucial as it gives rise to the three primary embryonic layers: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.
Each one of these layers is critical in the development of different tissues and organs. For example, the ectoderm, one of the three embryonic layers, is involved in producing skin, the nervous system, and other outer structures. The mesoderm provides support by creating internal structures like the heart, muscles, and bones. Finally, the endoderm develops into essential organs such as the GI tract, lungs, and liver.
Perhaps the most exciting feature of this enhanced gastruloid model is the diversity of mesoderm cells it generates. Based on the differences in gene expression, the researchers found that these mesoderm cells are actually composed of multiple subtypes of cells. With the help of fluorescence microscopy, they were able to visualize these subtypes and reveal remarkable details about the complex cellular machinations taking place during early development.
Heemskerk, for her part, was optimistic about the new model’s potential to help tackle big questions about mammalian development that remain unanswered. The research team believes that understanding the guidance mechanisms behind cell movement within gastruloids could pave the way for breakthroughs in developmental biology.
The impacts of this research go beyond fundamental science. By enhancing the gastruloid model, Heemskerk and his colleagues are contributing valuable knowledge that could inform regenerative medicine and therapeutic strategies aimed at addressing developmental disorders.