Standardization and optimization of the hiPSC-based PluriLum assay for detection of embryonic and developmental toxicants

New approach methodologies (NAMs) for predicting embryotoxicity and developmental toxicity are urgently needed for generating human relevant data, while reducing turnover time and costs, and alleviating ethical concerns related to the use of animal models. We have previously developed the PluriLum assay, a NKX2.5-reporter gene 3D model using human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that are genetically modified to enable the assessment of adverse effects of chemicals on the early-stage embryo. Aiming at improving the predictive value of the PluriLum assay for future screening purposes, we sought to introduce standardization steps to the protocol, improving the overall robustness of the PluriLum assay, as well as a shortening of the assay protocol. First, we showed that the initial size of embryoid bodies (EBs) is crucial for a proper differentiation into cardiomyocytes and overall reproducibility of the assay. When the starting diameter of the EBs exceeds 500 µm, robust differentiation can be anticipated. In terms of reproducibility, exposure to the fungicide epoxiconazole at smaller initial diameters resulted in a larger variation of the derived data, compared to more reliable concentration–response curves obtained using spheroids with larger initial diameters. We further investigated the ideal length of the differentiation protocol, resulting in a shortening of the PluriLum assay by 24 h to 7 days. Following exposure to the teratogens all-trans and 13-cis retinoic acid, both cardiomyocyte contraction and measurement of NKX2.5-derived luminescence were recorded with a similar or increased sensitivity after 6 days of differentiation when compared to the original 7 days. Finally, we have introduced an efficient step for enzymatic dissociation of the EBs at assay termination. This allows for an even splitting of the individual EBs and testing of additional endpoints other than the NKX2.5-luciferase reporter, which was demonstrated in this work by the simultaneous assessment of ATP levels. In conclusion, we have introduced standardizations and streamlined the PluriLum assay protocol to improve its suitability as a NAM for screening of a large number of chemicals for developmental toxicity testing.