The main objective of the research project is to achieve a better understanding of the organizational and functional commonalities in the evolutionary conserved retinoid-system across aquatic invertebrate (molluscs) and vertebrate taxa with a view to identify knowledge gaps, sensitive life stages, and retinoid-system relevant MIEs and KEs that are relevant for future AOP development, a better understanding of cross-talk between hormonal axes and cross species extrapolation, and ultimately a safer assessment of risks of EDCs in invertebrates. This will be achieved by literature review, exposure
scenarios with aquatic invertebrates, and comparative analysis between aquatic invertebrate and vertebrate taxa deciphering the commonalities and differential effects after modulation of heterodimeric signalling cascades. Expected research project results include exploration and identification of potential sensitive life-stages for RXR/RAR/TR mediated functions in molluscs, and exploration of RXR/RAR mediated functions and cross-talk between hormonal axes in molluscs/invertebrates by modulation of heterodimeric signalling cascades (i.e., RXR-TR). The obtained knowledge will support the development of cross-species retinoid system-relevant AOPs and discover the taxonomic domain of applicability including aquatic vertebrates.
- Host Institution: University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
- Lead Supervisor: Elvis Genbo Xu, Ecotoxicology laboratory
- Subject area: Zebrafish, Endocrine Disruption, One Health