Evaluation of the potential of embryonic stem cells esc and their derivatives as a model for drug screening and toxicity

Abstract

The present thesis focuses on the evaluation of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) as a model to understand the propensity of independently derived cell lines towards specific germ layers if any. Obtaining a purer population of desired cell type in large numbers based on this inherent potential of hESC was the next aim. Finally, this study explores the feasibility of these hESC and their derivatives in determination of toxic effects of known drugs and drug solvents so as to make available a humanized cell-based platform for drug screening and toxicity testing.