Why are Embryonic Stem Cells Important in Toxicology?
The use of embryonic stem cells in toxicology is driven by several factors. First, they can be used to model early human development, offering insights into how toxicants may affect embryogenesis. ESCs can differentiate into various cell types, which helps in studying the tissue-specific toxic effects of chemicals. This ability is crucial for understanding mechanisms of developmental toxicity and teratogenicity.