Stem Cell-based Embryo Models and New Perspectives for Developmental Mechanisms and Clinical Strategies

Stem cell-based embryo models (SCBEMs) have emerged as important tools in developmental biology and regenerative medicine, providing novel perspectives for deciphering the mechanisms of early embryogenesis and advancing clinical applications. This review systematically summarizes recent progress in the field and proposes a three-dimensional (3D) “potency-state-lineage” classification framework that integrates the intrinsic properties of stem cells used for model construction, as well as outlining the logical framework underlying model development. This review highlights the ability of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) to self-organize into 3D embryoids or organoids that mimic natural embryos or specific tissues. These models offer unprecedented access for studying human development while circumventing the ethical and practical constraints associated with direct research on human embryos. Moreover, these models serve as important platforms for investigating developmental disorders, environmental influences, and disease modeling. This review further explores the transformative potential of SCBEMs in personalized tissue engineering, drug screening, and livestock breeding while emphasizing the urgent need for ethical guidelines and standardization in this rapidly evolving field. SCBEM technology continues to advance and holds promise for enhancing the understanding of developmental processes and providing support for the development of therapeutic strategies.