EpiSTOX · EPIgenetic Signatures as biomarkers of ecoTOXicological effects

EPIgenetic Signatures as biomarkers of ecoTOXicological effects

The evaluation of toxic effects in human health and in the environment has been focused on persistent and widely distributed chemical pollutants. Since early 1990s, plenty of studies have investigated the effect of environmental chemicals that interfere with hormonal signalling mechanisms, known as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). EDCs are widely found in the environment and its exposure, especially during early development, disrupts endocrine function and causes deleterious effects in many species, including humans. While both animals and humans are constantly exposed to hundreds of EDCs, the chemicals have been suggested to contribute to dysfunctions and diseases such as obesity, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and cancers, in some cases affecting the health of future generations. Current studies focus on discerning the mode of action of EDCs at the molecular level by characterizing the transcriptomic responses (changes in mRNA levels) indicative of endocrine disruption. Evidence suggests that the long-lasting effects might be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, proposing EDCs as epigenomic disruptors. The main objectives of EPISTOX were: Objective 1) To identify common epigenetic marks regulated by EDC exposures during early development; Objective 2) To integrate transcriptomic and epigenetic platforms to identify relevant biological pathways characteristic of EDCs exposures. The objectives of the proposed study are in line with seeking solutions to some of the challenges facing European societies. The European Commission under HORIZON 2020 has identified food security, water research and health as some of the challenges that need to be urgently address. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) identifies the study of EDCs as a hot scientific topic. Environmental epigenetics in ecotoxicological studies, such as EPISTOX, is an emerging field that provides very valuable information to fill the knowledge gaps required to develop cost-effective high-throughput methodologies to screen for epigenetic signatures after EDCs exposures. In the long-term, it is expected that compelling new information will be key for better assessing risks and developing new environmental policies, that in turn will positively impact and protect environmental and human health.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union