3D In Vitro Culture of Early Mouse Embryos and Trophoblast Tissue Explants
摘要
The cellular dynamics during peri-implantation embryogenesis and the concurrent interactions at the embryo-maternal interface are inherently difficult to study due to intrauterine development in mammals. To model certain aspects of these processes in vitro, we have generated a biomimetic environment resembling the mechanical properties of the murine uterine stroma. Here we describe a step-by-step methodology for 3D culture of mouse embryos and ectoplacental cone explants in synthetic hydrogels that allow ex utero trophoblast invasion.