Comparison of the Cell Differentiation Level of Mouse iPS Cells and ES-D3 Cells Using the Embryonic Stem Cell Test (EST) Protocol Attempting to Develop a New in Vitro Embryotoxicity Test

Abstract

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have a developmental potential similar to that of ES cells. There is a possibility to be able to use the mouse iPS cells as in vitro embryotoxicity test according to the cell differentiation level. We examined the possibility that the mouse iPS cells could be used instead of ES-D3 cells with the Embryonic Stem Cell Test (EST). The differentiation level of the mouse iPS cells in the same protocol as the EST was tested.
A pulse was observed in ES-D3 cells at a rate of 82%. However, only 52% of iPS cells showed a pulse, with a low rate of contraction. There was a marked difference in iPS cells at the beginning of cardiac muscle contraction. The iPS cell is expected to be applied to embryotoxicity, as well as ES cells. However, research on iPS cells began only three years ago, and optimal differentiation techniques for iPS cells must be developed in near future.