Embryo-somatic cell co-culture was devised over 40 years ago in an attempt to improve the
development and viability of mammalian preimplantation embryos generated and cultured in
vitro. While initial endeavours were successful in this respect, other studies soon highlighted
a number of significant long-term detrimental impacts of this approach. Surprisingly little is
known about the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of co-culture, although the
production of embryotrophic compounds, modulation of nutrient profile, protection against …