Isolation and characterization of trophoblast-derived stem-like cells from peri-implantation porcine embryos.

•Trophectoderm (TE) cells with stem-like properties were isolated from pig blastocysts.•TE cells cultured in vitro express gene and protein markers of trophoblast function.•FBS induces differentiation but a serum-free, defined medium promotes self-renewal.•Cells are amenable to genetic modification and continuous culture in vitro.•Cells will provide a model for studying trophectoderm differentiation and function.