By using cutting-edge methods within developmental neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption, neurOmics will use exploratory omics in a powerful alterative model system to form novel hypotheses on how endocrine disrupting chemicals affect the brain. The project will utilize a representative of true frogs, the cosmopolitan tadpole model American bullfrog (Rana [Lithobates] catesbeiana), to understand the causes of developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) and exploit this gained knowledge to establish adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) applicable for risk assessment of chemicals — a European Commission priority focus area and supporting the Green Deal ‘a toxic-free environment.
Currently, the incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and autism spectrum disorders are increasing among children; a trend that has been linked to man-made chemicals suspected of causing developmental neurotoxicity. Thyroid hormone signaling is well-known for playing an essential role in brain development in all vertebrates. Hence, thyroid hormone system disrupting chemicals are likely candidates for causing developmental toxicity. Despite this, the current guidelines are insufficient to properly identify chemicals that are toxic for the developing brain and scientists across the world have recently called for better testing methods. The proposed project aims to develop novel testing strategies that will have a far-reaching impact and contribute to breaking down the wall between human and environmental toxicology. This will enable for a better and more feasible identification and safety assessment of hazardous chemicals, ultimately reducing the neurodevelopmental
disorders observed among children today.
