Protocol describes a method for assembling aggregates between ES cells and diploid embryos. The resulting chimeras are useful for separating certain extraembryonic phenotypes from phenotypes in the embryo proper, since the diploid embryo contributes to all parts of the conceptus, but the ES cell component does not contribute to the trophoblast or yolk sac endoderm. - [Read Assembling Aggregates between Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells and Diploid Embryos Protocol]
Culture conditions have been established for a second blastocyst-derived cell line, trophoblast stem (TS) cells, in addition to embryonic stem (ES) cells. This protocol describes a method for culturing TS cell lines. These cells can then be used to study trophoblast differentiation and placental function. - [Read Culturing Trophoblast Stem (TS) Cell Lines Protocol]
This protocol decribes derivation of TS cell lines from 3.5-days post coitum (dpc) mouse blastocysts. The procedure is similar to the derivation of embryonic stem (ES) cell lines. However, the success rate is considerably higher, and less expertise is required to recognize pluripotent TS cell colonies. - [Read Derivation of Trophoblast Stem (TS) Cell Lines from Blastocysts Protocol]
Details a placenta specific gene manipulation by transducing blastocysts with lentiviral vectors1. After a removal of zona pellucida which functions as a physical barrier, trophoblast cells lying outermost layer of blastocyst were transduced from outside with high-titer lentiviral vectors. As most placental cells descend from trophoblast cells while fetus originated from inner cell mass, transgene expression can be observed in trophoblast cells from preimplantation stages and in placenta... - [Read Placenta Specific Gene Manipulation by Transducing Zona-Free Blastocyst using Lentiviral Vector]