Synthetic embryos: current progress, application and challenges

Synthetic embryos, generated using stem cells or reprogrammed somatic cells, could recapitulate embryo development in vitro and provide unique opportunities for in-depth study of embryogenesis, particularly human embryogenesis. To date, the synthetic embryos for human, mouse, non-human primates and bovine are successfully generated. Here we summarize and discuss the research progresses of synthetic embryos, including the materials used for generating synthetic embryos, the potential applications, and current challenges for the generation and application of synthetic embryos. In this review, we discuss the function of synthetic embryos in the study of embryo development, drug screening, genetic disease and organ transplantation.