In Vivo Differentiation Potential of Epiblast Stem Cells Revealed by Chimeric Embryo Formation

Chimera formation after blastocyst injection or morula aggregation is the principal functional assay of the developmental potential of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). This property, which demonstrates functional equivalence between ESCs and the preimplantation epiblast, is not shared by epiblast stem cell (EpiSC) lines. Here, we show that EpiSCs derived either from postimplantation embryos or from ESCs in vitro readily generate chimeras when grafted to postimplantation embryos in whole embryo culture. EpiSC derivatives integrate and differentiate to derivatives of all three embryonic germ layers and primordial germ cells. In contrast, grafted ESCs seldom proliferate in postimplantation embryos, and fail to acquire the identity of their host-derived neighbors. EpiSCs do not incorporate efficiently into embryonic day 8.5 embryos, a stage by which pluripotency has been lost. Thus, chimera formation by EpiSCs requires a permissive environment, the postimplantation epiblast, and demonstrates functional equivalence between this cell type and EpiSCs. [Display omitted] ► Epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) form chimeras when injected into postimplantation epiblast ► Embryonic stem cells do not form postimplantation chimeras ► EpiSCs do not integrate if they are injected after gastrulation Epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) derived from postimplantation embryos are unable to form chimeras when placed in preimplantation (blastocyst stage) embryos, raising doubt about the in vivo relevance of such studies. However, Wilson and colleagues show that EpiSCs placed in the appropriate environment of the postimplantation epiblast form chimeras at high frequency, something that embryonic stem cells cannot do. This indicates that it is the combination of stem cell type and appropriate environment that enables the proper developmental regulation of introduced pluripotent cells.