The main objective of this research project is to develop a cross-species approach to assessing impaired neurological function caused by endocrine disruptors. This will facilitate the use of NAMs such as cell-based methods and zebrafish embryos for raising concern on neurological effects in humans and non-target organisms. While neurological development generally receives most attention in the context of ED assessment, this research will also include adult neurotoxicity. An AOP network linking different ED modalities to impaired neurological development and adult function will be developed based on existing literature and expertise across the consortium, including newly generated data. Cross-species applicability of the pathways will be investigated, focusing both on humans and non-target organisms. Methods, especially NAMs, will be collected along with their readiness level and will be mapped to the AOP network to cover the most relevant mechanistic aspects. Based on this foundation, an approach for evaluating the potential of chemicals to cause impaired neurological function through an ED mechanism will then be developed.
- Host Institution: University of Antwerp, Belgium
- Lead Supervisor: Dries Knapen, Zebrafishlab
- Subject area: AOP network, endocrine disruption, impaired neurodevelopment, cross-species assessment