Regenerative toxicology: the role of stem cells in the development of chronic toxicities

Abstract

Human stem cell lines and their derivatives have been widely discussed as cellular models in predictive toxicology. Huge efforts are currently undertaken to investigate the suitability of stem cells derivatives as unlimited cellular source for the development of in vitro toxicity tests that qualify for a better understanding of the mode of action of hazardous chemicals. Nevertheless, the contribution of stem cells and precursors to the development of chronic toxicities and carcinogenesis have not received so much attention so far and remains a gap in the current research strategy on stem cells as tools for toxicity testing in vitro. The current review describes selected examples of toxicants that are targeting stem cells/progenitor cells which result in the development of long term toxicities.