From Extrapolation to Precision Chemical Hazard Assessment: The Ecdysone Receptor Case Study

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Ruivo, R (Author) Other; Sousa, J (Author) Other; Neuparth, T (Author) Other; Geffard, O (Author) Other; Chaumot, A (Author) Other; Filipe F C Castro (Author) FCUP; Degli Esposti, D (Author) Other; Santos, MM (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Toxics

Vol. 173

Final page: 6

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus - 4 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-YTM

DOI: 10.3390/toxics10010006

Abstract (EN): Hazard assessment strategies are often supported by extrapolation of damage probabilities, regarding chemical action and species susceptibilities. Yet, growing evidence suggests that an adequate sampling of physiological responses across a representative taxonomic scope is of paramount importance. This is particularly relevant for Nuclear Receptors (NR), a family of transcription factors, often triggered by ligands and thus, commonly exploited by environmental chemicals. Within NRs, the ligand-induced Ecdysone Receptor (EcR) provides a remarkable example. Long regarded as arthropod specific, this receptor has been extensively targeted by pesticides, seemingly innocuous to non-target organisms. Yet, current evidence clearly suggests a wider presence of EcR orthologues across metazoan lineages, with unknown physiological consequences. Here, we address the state-of-the-art regarding the phylogenetic distribution and functional characterization of metazoan EcRs and provide a critical analysis of the potential disruption of such EcRs by environmental chemical exposure. Using EcR as a case study, hazard assessment strategies are also discussed in view of the development of a novel precision hazard assessment paradigm.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7