<i>in vitro</i> approach for the developmental neurotoxicity potential using neural stem cell functions

<p>　Humans have experienced serious pollution problems with the development and prosperity, leading to the regulation of harmful environmental pollutants. On the other hand, numerous chemicals have been made, and there is growing concern about the effects of long-term, chronic exposure to various chemicals. Actually, the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, has been increasing, and that might be associated with such a daily exposure to various environmental chemicals in our life. Nonetheless, most of these chemicals have not been adequately assessed for their health effects, and toxicological information is still limited. </p><p>　Developmental neurotoxicity is currently assessed based on in vivo guideline with animal experiments. However, in vivo test is not suitable for assessing numerous chemicals. For this reason, alternative tests mainly using culture cells have been developing as a screening test, and several alternative approaches using cell lines, primary cells and pluripotent stem cells have been reported. In addition, techniques of organoid and microphysiological system have been developing as a new alternative test with spatial structure similar to the physiological circumstance. On the other hand, we have been studying the developmental neurotoxicity focusing on the developmental stages of neurological system by using human and mouse pluripotent stem cells, and examined the effects of environmental pollutants, such as insecticides, on neural stem (progenitor) cell functions. In this symposium session, I will talk about in vitro approach for the developmental neurotoxicity, focusing on neuronal cell development. </p>