| Summary: |
In recent decades, an overwhelming collection of studies has exposed the substantial influence of man-made contaminants in humans and wildlife. Among the observed consequences there are subtle effects on animal endocrine function but also more drastic impacts. A common theme in many of the endocrine disruption processes is the central involvement of a specific group of transcription factors, the Nuclear Receptors (NRs). Several studies have revealed NR exploitation (agonist/antagonist) by EDCs, with dire endocrine outcomes. Yet, a variable NR gene repertoire has been appointed to different Metazoan lineages, mostly with unknown repercussions in endocrine perturbations. Thus, the central topic of EvoDis is to address the Metazoan taxonomic scope of NR-mediated disruption. Acting at the frontier of Evolutionary Biology and Toxicology, EvoDis will put into context the role of NRs in endocrine disruption processes, which would be impossible to reveal with model species. |