The ENDpoiNTs Project: Novel Testing Strategies for Endocrine Disruptors Linked to Developmental Neurotoxicity

Area of Science:

• Environmental Toxicology
• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are widespread environmental contaminants.
• There are significant concerns regarding the impact of EDCs on neurodevelopment.
• Current regulatory chemical testing tools inadequately assess endocrine disruption (ED)-induced developmental neurotoxicity (DNT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To address scientific and methodological gaps in assessing ED-induced DNT.
• To generate new knowledge on ED-induced DNT.
• To develop and enhance in vitro, in vivo, and in silico models for ED-linked DNT outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Integrating molecular, cellular, and organismal data from in vitro and in vivo models.
• Establishing correlative and causal links between neurodevelopmental endpoints and endocrine pathways.
• Developing Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) for ED-induced DNT.

Main Results:

• New knowledge on ED-induced DNT is being generated.
• Improved in vitro, in vivo, and in silico models for DNT assessment are under development.
• Correlative and causal links between neurodevelopmental endpoints and endocrine pathways are being established.

Conclusions:

• The ENDpoiNTs project aims to provide robust AOPs for ED-induced DNT.
• New testing tools with high relevance for human health will be developed.
• These tools will be integrated into European and international regulatory frameworks for enhanced chemical safety.