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Teratogenicity

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The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Chemical Inactivation of the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cereblon by Pomalidomide-based Homo-PROTACs

Chemical Inactivation of the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cereblon by Pomalidomide-based Homo-PROTACs

Published on: May 15, 2019

Thalidomide-induced limb defects: resolving a 50-year-old puzzle.

Neil Vargesson¹

¹School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK. n.vargesson@abdn.ac.uk

Bioessays : News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

|November 19, 2009

Summary

Thalidomide causes birth defects by targeting new blood vessels. A new framework explains how this drug induces limb defects and other teratogenic effects, addressing remaining scientific challenges.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Chemical Inactivation of the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cereblon by Pomalidomide-based Homo-PROTACs

Chemical Inactivation of the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cereblon by Pomalidomide-based Homo-PROTACs

Published on: May 15, 2019

Area of Science:

Developmental biology
Pharmacology
Teratology

Background:

Thalidomide causes limb defects by targeting immature blood vessels.
Understanding thalidomide's species specificity and molecular targets remains challenging.
The molecular basis of phocomelia and developing safer drug forms are unresolved issues.

Observation:

The trigger of thalidomide-induced teratogenesis has been uncovered.
Previous models of thalidomide action are being incorporated and united.

Findings:

A unifying framework explains how thalidomide induces limb defects.
The framework also explains the molecular basis for other thalidomide-induced defects.

Implications:

Understanding thalidomide's teratogenic mechanisms is crucial for drug development.
Further research may lead to safer, clinically effective forms of thalidomide.
This framework aids in understanding complex teratogenic effects.