scholarly journals Human embryo research, stem cell-derived embryo models and in vitro gametogenesis: Considerations leading to the revised ISSCR guidelines

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amander T. Clark ◽  
Ali Brivanlou ◽  
Jianping Fu ◽  
Kazuto Kato ◽  
Debra Mathews ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Human Embryo ◽  
Embryo Research ◽  
Human Embryo Research

scholarly journals Modelling human embryogenesis: embryo-like structures spark ethical and policy debate

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 779-798
Author(s):  
Ana M Pereira Daoud ◽  
Mina Popovic ◽  
Wybo J Dondorp ◽  
Marc Trani Bustos ◽  
Annelien L Bredenoord ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Human Embryo ◽  
Embryoid Bodies ◽  
Embryo Research ◽  
Human Embryos ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Human Embryo Research ◽  
Post Implantation

Abstract BACKGROUND Studying the human peri-implantation period remains hindered by the limited accessibility of the in vivo environment and scarcity of research material. As such, continuing efforts have been directed towards developing embryo-like structures (ELS) from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) that recapitulate aspects of embryogenesis in vitro. While the creation of such models offers immense potential for studying fundamental processes in both pre- and early post-implantation development, it also proves ethically contentious due to wide-ranging views on the moral and legal reverence due to human embryos. Lack of clarity on how to qualify and regulate research with ELS thus presents a challenge in that it may either limit this new field of research without valid grounds or allow it to develop without policies that reflect justified ethical concerns. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing scientific approaches to generate ELS from mouse and human PSCs, as well as discuss future strategies towards innovation in the context of human development. Concurrently, we aim to set the agenda for the ethical and policy issues surrounding research on human ELS. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed database was used to search peer-reviewed articles and reviews using the following terms: ‘stem cells’, ‘pluripotency’, ‘implantation’, ‘preimplantation’, ‘post-implantation’, ‘blastocyst’, ‘embryoid bodies’, ‘synthetic embryos’, ‘embryo models’, ‘self-assembly’, ‘human embryo-like structures’, ‘artificial embryos’ in combination with other keywords related to the subject area. The PubMed and Web of Science databases were also used to systematically search publications on the ethics of ELS and human embryo research by using the aforementioned keywords in combination with ‘ethics’, ‘law’, ‘regulation’ and equivalent terms. All relevant publications until December 2019 were critically evaluated and discussed. OUTCOMES In vitro systems provide a promising way forward for uncovering early human development. Current platforms utilize PSCs in both two- and three-dimensional settings to mimic various early developmental stages, including epiblast, trophoblast and amniotic cavity formation, in addition to axis development and gastrulation. Nevertheless, much hinges on the term ‘embryo-like’. Extension of traditional embryo frameworks to research with ELS reveals that (i) current embryo definitions require reconsideration, (ii) cellular convertibility challenges the attribution of moral standing on the basis of ‘active potentiality’ and (iii) meaningful application of embryo protective directives will require rethinking of the 14-day culture limit and moral weight attributed to (non-)viability. Many conceptual and normative (dis)similarities between ELS and embryos thus remain to be thoroughly elucidated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Modelling embryogenesis holds vast potential for both human developmental biology and understanding various etiologies associated with infertility. To date, ELS have been shown to recapitulate several aspects of peri-implantation development, but critically, cannot develop into a fetus. Yet, concurrent to scientific innovation, considering the extent to which the use of ELS may raise moral concerns typical of human embryo research remains paramount. This will be crucial for harnessing the potential of ELS as a valuable research tool, whilst remaining within a robust moral and legal framework of professionally acceptable practices.

scholarly journals 生物醫學技術發展應該改變14天法則限制嗎？

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-91
Author(s):  
Hongqi WANG
Keyword(s):  
Science Policy ◽  
Human Embryo ◽  
Stakeholder Engagement ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Embryo Research ◽  
Human Embryos ◽  
Research Guidelines ◽  
History Of ◽  
Human Embryo Research

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in Chinese; abstract also in English. Developments in research have made culturing human embryos beyond the 14-day limit seem technologically feasible. In the article “Emerging Human Embryo Research Technologies, the 14-day Rule, and the Special Status of the Embryo,” the authors examine a proposal for new human embryo and embryoid research guidelines by reviewing the history of the 14-day limit and emerging areas of research that are impacted by these guidelines. However, as noted by the authors, changes in science policy should not be developed solely by scientists. Instead, policy development should reflect the reality of science as a public endeavor. After 40 years of consensus, any attempts to revoke the 14-day limit on the in vitro culturing of human embryos should rely on public and stakeholder engagement.

Moving the Goalposts in Human Embryo Research

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Kevin Wilger ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Human Embryo ◽  
Religious Communities ◽  
Embryo Research ◽  
Human Embryos ◽  
In Vitro System ◽  
International Guidelines ◽  
New Process ◽  
Human Embryo Research

The debate over the ethics of manufacturing and destroying human embryos has captured the interest of scientific, philosophic, and religious communities once again. In May researchers reported a new in vitro system that allows for the study of postimplantation human embryos. Scientists are now able to culture human embryos for twelve to thirteen days, obtaining new data about their development after implantation. In fact, the new procedure’s simulated implantation environment worked so well that one group of researchers had to destroy the embryos thirteen days after fertilization. This was done to avoid conducting embryo research at fourteen days or beyond, which would violate national and international guidelines. Naturally, the success of the new process has prompted scientists and journalists alike to question the validity of both the fourteen-day rule and the proper boundaries of research on human embryos.

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