Experimental Studies in Developing Toxicological Methods and Models
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is home to a dynamic team of researchers dedicated to advancing our understanding of chemical effects on living organisms. The Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE) is a hub of innovation, where scientists are pushing the boundaries of research to protect both human health and the environment.
Dr. John Cowden, with a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Genetics, serves as a supervisor in the CCTE. His team includes principal investigators like Dr. Chris Corton, Dr. Chad Deisenroth, and Dr. Yue Ge, each focusing on different aspects of toxicology. Dr. Corton studies mechanisms of chemical affect, while Dr. Deisenroth develops and applies in vitro new approach methods for predictive toxicology. Dr. Ge advances toxicoproteomics to address environmental health challenges.
Researchers in the CCTE are engaged in a wide range of projects. Dr. Kristen Breaux is developing novel in vitro assays for evaluating chemical effects on the endocrine system, specifically incorporating xenobiotic metabolism into high-throughput chemical screening. Dr. Jie Liu is studying gene expression, while Carlton Jones explores extracellular vesicles as markers of chemical exposures. Joan Hedge contributes to research on rodent reproductive, thyroid, developmental, and neurodevelopmental toxicology.
Dr. Vicki Richardson applies advanced cell culture models for toxicokinetic studies and toxicity testing. Dr. Brian Chorley focuses on identifying genomic and epigenomic biomarkers to inform chemical risk assessment and prioritization. Dr. Suzanne Martos applies CRISPR-based approaches and functional genomics to characterize poorly defined mechanisms-of-action.
Post-baccalaureate researchers, such as Jennifer O'Neill, Jennifer Walsh, and Cameron Alexander, are also integral to the CCTE's work. Jennifer O'Neill works in the Chorley lab using CRISPR activation system to refine biomarker signatures in the Retinoic Acid pathway. Jennifer Walsh works in the Ramaiahgari laboratory on in vitro models of the blood brain barrier for use in toxicological assessments of PFAS. Cameron Alexander is developing a biomarker for the glucocorticoid receptor in the Corton lab.
The CCTE's efforts extend beyond the lab. Researchers have published studies on various topics, including protection of cell therapeutics, high-throughput H295R homogenous time resolved fluorescence assay, and the after effects of perinatal PBDE exposure on thyroid hormone metabolism in rat pups. They have also made strides in identifying biomarkers for chemicals, such as a 50-gene biomarker that identifies estrogen receptor-modulating chemicals.
In the CCTE, the pursuit of knowledge is a collaborative effort. Researchers work together to push the boundaries of toxicology, with the ultimate goal of protecting human health and the environment. Their work not only advances our understanding of chemical effects but also contributes to the development of new methods for chemical risk assessment and prediction.
