Endometrial Assembloids to Model Human Embryo Implantation In Vitro.

ABSTRACT

Understanding the process of human embryo implantation is impeded by the inability to study this phenomenon in vivo, thus limiting opportunities to gain knowledge to in vitro modeling. Previous models have relied on monolayer co-cultures, which do not replicate the complexity of endometrial tissue. Here, we detail the establishment of three-dimensional endometrial assembloids, comprising gland-like epithelial organoids in a stromal matrix. Endometrial assembloids mimic endometrial tissue structure more faithfully and can be used to study human embryo-endometrial interactions. Co-cultures of human embryos and endometrial assembloids will enhance our fundamental understanding of these processes as well as allowing us to study the mechanisms of persistent reproductive failure.