Open AccessEmbryonic stem cells: An alternative approach to developmental toxicity testing
Author(s) -
Simran Tandon,
Saras Jyoti
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy and bioallied sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 0976-4879
pISSN - 0975-7406
DOI - 10.4103/0975-7406.94808
Subject(s) - embryonic stem cell , stem cell , developmental toxicity , animal testing , biology , cell type , cellular differentiation , cell , neuroscience , microbiology and biotechnology , bioinformatics , genetics , fetus , pregnancy , gene
Stem cells in the body have a unique ability to renew themselves and give rise to more specialized cell types having functional commitments. Under specified growth conditions, these cell types remain unspecialized but can be triggered to become specific cell type of the body such as heart, nerve, or skin cells. This ability of embryonic stem cells for directed differentiation makes it a prominent candidate as a screening tool in revealing safer and better drugs. In addition, genetic variations and birth defects caused by mutations and teratogens affecting early human development could also be studied on this basis. Moreover, replacement of animal testing is needed because it involves ethical, legal, and cost issues. Thus, there is a strong requirement for validated and reliable, if achievable, human stem cell-based developmental assays for pharmacological and toxicological screening.