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Systems Toxicology

Maastricht University
1 week
1.5 ECTS
Tuition fees

Aim of the course

In this course, an introduction will be provided on systems toxicology and genomics technologies, i.e. gene expression profiling by RNA sequencing and microarray technologies, focussing on its application in toxicology. 

During the course, participants will be familiarized with the theoretical and practical background of systems toxicology and toxicogenomics as part of it. Through lectures in the mornings, knowledge will be provided about the basic principles of various omics technologies and in particular gene expression profiling by RNA sequencing and DNA microarrays, the main approaches for statistical analyses and visualization of gene expression data, and its application in toxicology. In the afternoon, practical experience with the main data analyses approaches and applications will be provided by computer trainings and a plenary discussion.

List of subjects
Basic principles of genomics

  • Methods for gene expression profiling (RNA sequencing, microarrays);
  • Data pre-processing;
  • Data analysis: statistical approaches and visualisations;
  • Data mining to understand biology;
  • Data integration;
  • Other technologies: proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics.

Applied systems toxicology

  • Unravelling toxic mechanisms;
  • Biomarkers for toxic effects;
  • Predictive toxicology;
  • View of industry, regulators, users, etc.

Practical trainings

  • Pre-processing of RNA sequencing and microarrays;
  • Data analysis to identify differentially expressed genes and to compare toxic exposure by gene expression profiles (including clustering approaches and visualisations);
  • Identification of affected pathways and processes;
  • Mode of action, chemo-informatics and biological interpretation of compounds;
  • Data integration.

Following this course the participants should:

  • be familiar with the theoretical and practical background of systems toxicology and toxicogenomics as part of it;
  • have basic knowledge about a variety of ‘omics technologies’;
  • have knowledge about the basic principles of gene expression profiling, especially:
    • the various technologies and platforms;
    • the main approaches for statistical analyses and visualisations;
    • the various options for data mining in order to understand the biology;
    • the main application areas in toxicology (mechanistic, predictive, and epidemiological).
  • have practical experience for initial data analysis/visualization/mining approaches of gene expression data as well as some integrated analyses combining different types of data.

Coordinator: Dr. D. Jennen

Lecturers:
To be announced.

Please note that the course can be cancelled up to one month before its starting date, when the number of applications is below the minimum required. For general inquiries please contact the PET Office.

Risk Perception and Risk Communication in Toxicology