biostudies-literatureUnknown129(7)Li B<h4>Background</h4>Global concerns of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure have been raised, especially on its effects on pregnant women. Recent epidemiological studies have revealed associations between maternal blood/hair MeHg concentrations, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and developmental deficits. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.<h4>Objectives</h4>In this study, we characterized the effects of MeHg exposure on undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and extrapolated the effects to human embryonic development.<h4>Methods</h4>hESCs were exposed to 0, 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 or 200nM MeHg for 24 h or 6 d. Cell adherence and colony formation and expansion were examined under the microscope. Cell attachment, viability/proliferation, apoptosis, stress response, cell cycle, autEnvironmental health perspectives77007https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8323991biostudies-literatureCharacterizing the Low-Dose Effects of Methylmercury on the Early Stages of Embryo Development Using Cultured Human Embryonic Stem Cells.PMC8323991Chan HMJin XQiao CLi BfalseCharacterizing the Low-Dose Effects of Methylmercury on the Early Stages of Embryo Development Using Cultured Human Embryonic Stem Cells.<h4>Background</h4>Global concerns of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure have been raised, especially on its effects on pregnant women. Recent epidemiological studies have revealed associations between maternal blood/hair MeHg concentrations, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and developmental deficits. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.<h4>Objectives</h4>In this study, we characterized the effects of MeHg exposure on undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and extrapolated the effects to human embryonic development.<h4>Methods</h4>hESCs were exposed to 0, 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 or 200nM MeHg for 24 h or 6 d. Cell adherence and colony formation and expansion were examined under the microscope. Cell attachment, viability/proliferation, apoptosis, stress response, cell cycle, aut2021-01-01T00:00:00Z2021 Jul2025-06-01T03:45:20.939Z2025-06-01T03:45:20.939ZS-EPMC83239913432879110.1289/EHP7349