Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
17:28
Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Based Developmental Toxicity Assays for Chemical Safety Screening and Systems Biology Data Generation
Published on: June 17, 2015
Epigenetics and chemical safety assessment
Matthew J LeBaron1, Reza J Rasoulpour1, Joanna Klapacz1
1Toxicology & Environmental Research & Consulting, The Dow Chemical Company, 1803 Building, Midland, MI 48674, USA.
Mutation Research
|April 20, 2010
Summary
Epigenetics involves heritable gene expression changes without mutations. Current toxicology tests can identify adverse outcomes from epigenetic alterations, but understanding epigenome variation is key.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Epigenetics
- Genomics
Background:
- Epigenetics: heritable gene expression changes without DNA mutation.
- Epigenetic alterations can be mitotic, meiotic, or transgenerational.
- Understanding epigenome variation is crucial for interpreting epigenetic alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review the current science of epigenetic modifications.
- Evaluate toxicology testing for identifying epigenetic changes.
- Illustrate epigenetics in safety assessment with case studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epigenetics in biology and toxicology.
- Analysis of current toxicology testing battery.
- Case study review (diethylstilbestrol, vinclozolin, bisphenol A).
Main Results:
- Existing toxicology tests are expected to identify adverse outcomes from epigenetic changes.
- Case studies highlight strengths and limitations in epigenetic safety assessment.
- A solid understanding of epigenome biology and variation is essential.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetics is a significant emerging field in toxicology.
- Current toxicology tests are adequate for identifying epigenetic risks.
- Further research requires understanding epigenome dynamics and fundamental toxicology principles.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity refer to the ability of drugs to cause genetic defects and induce cancer, respectively. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies agents into four groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 agents are known human carcinogens; group 2A agents are probably carcinogenic to humans; group 3 agents lack data to support their role in carcinogenesis; and group 4 includes agents for which data support that they are not likely to be...
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
01:27Effects of Chemicals: Overview
Drugs, encompassing various chemical compounds from natural sources, lab synthesis, or genetic engineering, elicit different biological responses in living organisms. Some of these responses are desirable or therapeutic, while others are undesirable. The primary goal of administering a drug is to achieve a therapeutic effect, that is, to address a specific disease or health condition. Any concurrent effects outside of this therapeutic outcome are considered undesirable. These undesirable...
01:36Types of Toxins
Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...