In vitro models of cranial neural crest development toward toxicity tests: frog, mouse, and human

Area of Science:

• Developmental biology
• Stem cell research
• Regenerative medicine

Background:

• Cranial neural crest (NC)-derived cells are crucial for forming diverse maxillofacial structures.
• In vitro models using model organisms and human pluripotent stem cells advance understanding of NC cell development.
• Studying craniofacial development aids in predicting and preventing drug-induced congenital anomalies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review in vitro culture methods for deriving neural crest cells (NCCs).
• To discuss the utility of these models in elucidating craniofacial development mechanisms.
• To highlight their application in developing embryotoxicity tests for drug safety.

Main Methods:

• Review of established in vitro culture techniques for NCC derivation.
• Analysis of models utilizing Xenopus presumptive ectoderm (animal caps).
• Examination of methods employing mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs).

Main Results:

• In vitro models provide valuable insights into the cellular and molecular processes of cranial NC development.
• Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) enable the generation of human NCCs for in vitro studies.
• These models are instrumental in understanding the origins of craniofacial malformations.

Conclusions:

• In vitro NCC derivation methods are essential tools for studying craniofacial development.
• These models facilitate the identification of molecular mechanisms underlying craniofacial formation.
• Applications include the development of predictive embryotoxicity assays for drug-induced congenital anomalies, such as cleft lip and palate.