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GENOMIC AND PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS OF SURROGATE TISSUES FOR ASSESSING TOXIC EXPOSURES AND DISEASE STATES
Citation:
Dix, D J. AND J C. Rockett. GENOMIC AND PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS OF SURROGATE TISSUES FOR ASSESSING TOXIC EXPOSURES AND DISEASE STATES. Presented at Society of Toxicology, Salt Lake City, UT, March 09 - 13, 2003.
Description:
Genomic and Proteomic Analysis of Surrogate Tissues for Assessing Toxic Exposures and Disease States
David J. Dix and John C. Rockett
Reproductive Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, USEPA, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711.
Genomics and proteomics have made it possible to define molecular physiology in exquisite detail, when tissues are accessible for sampling. However, many tissues are not accessible for human diagnostic evaluations or experimental studies, creating the need for surrogates that afford insight into exposures and effects in such tissues. Surrogate tissue analysis (STA) incorporating contemporary genomic and proteomic technologies may be useful in determining toxicant exposure and effect, or disease state, in target tissues at the pre- or early clinical stage. In this symposium, speakers will discuss various applications of STA, including the use of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) as a source of biomarkers for radiation exposure; the use of PBLs and hair follicles to monitor the impact of toxicants on organs such as liver and testis; the use of mRNA in sperm to determine genetic and environmental effects on male fertility; and the use of serum protein profiles to monitor for ovarian cancer. The symposium will conclude with a discussion of the challenges of validating surrogate tissue fidelity and sensitivity. This is an abstract of a proposed symposium and does not necessarily reflect EPA policy.