Presenter: Prof. dr. Theo M. de Kok, Prof. Dr. Dick T. Sijm, Nicolaj Bischoff (Maastricht University / NVWA).
Aim: To demonstrate how the use of ‘omics approaches in toxicological reseach has evolved over time and how such techniques can be of added value in hazard identification and human health risk assessment.
Overview/Content: Omics techniques, particularly transcriptomics, are invaluable tools in toxicology for comprehensively understanding how toxicants affect biological systems. Transcriptomics focuses on studying the entire set of RNA transcripts within cells or organisms, offering a dynamic snapshot of cellular responses to toxic exposure. By analyzing transcriptomic data, researchers can identify genes that are upregulated or downregulated in response to toxicants, uncovering potential biomarkers of toxicity and elucidating underlying molecular mechanisms. Transcriptomics also enables the exploration of toxicant-induced alterations in signaling pathways, biological processes, and regulatory networks. Integration of transcriptomic data with other omics datasets enhances our understanding of toxicological responses at a systems level. Ultimately, transcriptomic analyses provide valuable information for predicting toxicological outcomes, assessing risks associated with chemical exposures, and developing targeted interventions for mitigating adverse effects on human health and the environment.
Method: An overview will be presented on the different ‘omics techniques that can be used to generate molecular data that provide insight in toxicological processes. A number of large project that apply such approaches will be introduced and examples will be provided. How this can contribute to risk assessment will be presented for the evaluation of food additive E171 (titanium dioxide) and we will organize a stakeholder debate representing positions from science, regulators and society in which participants will actively engage.
Outcome: The participants will gain insight into the different types of ‘omics techniques that are available for toxicological research, who these can be applied in the context of the development of NAMs, clinical and exposome research, and how ‘omics approaches can contribute to toxicological risk assessment.