Chapter 2: Alternative Methods in Haematopoietic Stem Cell Toxicology

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are pluripotent cells, being capable of both self-renewal and differentiation. They form a complex differentiation system inside the bone marrow, where all kinds of blood cells are produced. Blood cells play a vital role in normal body function. Chemicals and drugs that are toxic to hematopoietic stem cells adversely affect the normal production and function of blood cells. Hematopoietic stem cells toxicity testing by in vitro colony-forming assays plays an impotent role in toxicological evaluation. These assays provide very crucial scientific knowledge to reduce the gap between preclinical toxicology studies in animal models and clinical investigations. With the advancement of science and technology, clonogenic assay has become more sophisticated to reduce the cost and time. This article provides a concise review of colony-forming assays as alternative methods in hematopoietic stem cell toxicology.