Cells Murine ESC bearing a read-out system for cardiac differentiation
Species Mouse
Reporter TAQ GFP / SEAP
Service Content Comparative investigation of embryotoxicity and/or teratogenicity  and cytotoxcity of test compounds on differentiating mouse ESC.
Delivery A study protocol will be sent to initiate the study. Results are sent as draft and final study report.
Timelines Experiment time: 4 weeks per compound.
Draft report: within 6 weeks
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µEST- Developmental toxicity screen

The µEST test system utilises the ability of mouse embryonic stem cells (ES cells) to differentiate in vitro into various tissues of all three germ layers. Supposing that exposure of ES cells to embryotoxic and teratogenic compounds during this process interferes with correct differentiation, the resulting amount of a given tissue, e.g. cardiac tissue, will be a marker for developmental toxicity. To distinguish a specific embryotoxic effect from a plain cytotoxic effect, results of the µEST are compared to results from a standard cytotoxicity assay (XTT test).

The mechanistic principle of the test was described by Spielmann et al. in 1997. At its 17th Meeting in October 2001, the ECVAM Scientific Advisory Committee (ESAC) endorsed this assay for embryotoxicity testing as scientifically validated and ready for consideration for regulatory acceptance and application. The µEST test system was stated equivalent to the EST by ECVAM, and gained acceptance as "suitable for REACH" by ECVAM in 2008.

Predictivity of µEST (70 compounds tested)

  • Specificity 87%
  • Sensitivity 88%
  • Negative predictive value 81%
  • Positive predictive value 91%
  • Accuracy 87%
Advantages µEST® Embryotoxicity screening 
  • Early identification of compounds that are embryotoxic or teratogenic.
  • Fully in-vitro system eliminates animal testing.
  • Highly sensitive, only a minute amount of  compound (< 50 mg) required for testing.
  • Elegant technique uses GFP or SEAP as reporter.
  • Capability for automation, high throughput compatibility.
  • Time and cost-effective for a more efficient and economical use of human and financial resources.