Human embryonic stem cells for genotoxicity testing

Abstract

Established mammalian cell lines and primary explanted cells commonly used in vitro to analyze the genotoxic potential of various agents, often poorly reflect human physiology. Lack of standardization also limits use of primary explanted cells. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have been validated as a stable and healthy human cell source. This study aimed to investigate the utility of hESCs as a cellular model for genotoxicity testing. Chromosomal analysis by PNA-FISH and mFISH following Mitomycin C treatment revealed that hESCs are significantly more resistant to genotoxic damage than normal human fibroblast cell line as evidenced by the lower levels of chromosomal aberration in hESCs. The resistance of hESCs to genotoxic damage highlights the possibility of efficient repair mechanisms in these cells. It also emphasizes, how, established cell lines used for genotoxicity testing may not reflect the in vivo conditions. Hence, this study evaluates the applicability of hESCs for genotoxicity testing.