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Toxicogenomics

Maastricht University
1 week
1.5 ECTS
Tuition fees

Aim of the course

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

During this course, participants will be familiarized with the theoretical and practical background of toxicogenomics. Through lectures in the mornings, knowledge will be provided about the basic principles of gene expression profiling by RNA sequencing and DNA microarrays, its technologies, the main approaches for statistical analyses and visualisation 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
  • Other technologies: proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics

Applied toxicogenomics

  • Unravelling toxic mechanisms
  • Biomarkers for toxic effects
  • Predictive toxicology
  • Regulatory aspects

Practical training

  • Pre-processing of RNA sequencing
  • 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
  • In silico drug target prediction and biological interpretation

Following this course the participants should:

  • be familiar with the theoretical and practical background of toxicogenomics, especially transcriptomics by RNA sequencing and DNA microarrays;
  • 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;
  • have basic knowledge about other ‘omics’ technologies.

Coordinator: Dr. D. Jennen

Organisers: Dr. D. Jennen, Prof.dr. J.C. Kleinjans (Maastricht University), Dr. R. Stierum (TNO)

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 Communication and Perception