Neural Crest Cell Models of Development and Toxicity: Cytotoxicity Assay Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cranial Neural Crest Cell Model.

Cranial neural crest cells (NCCs) migrate to the branchial arches and give rise to the majority of cranial mesenchyme that eventually differentiates into odontoblasts, cartilage, craniofacial bone, and connective tissue; a subset of these cells differentiate into cranial ganglia. Here we present a protocol that describes directed differentiation method of human pluripotent stem cells into cranial NCC-like cells and a cytotoxicity assay using hPSC-derived cranial NCC-like cells. This cell-based assay system allows for high-sensitive cytotoxicity detection of test chemicals. These methods can be applied to predict drug/chemical toxicity effect on early craniofacial development.