Grantee Research Project Results
Cultured Fish Cells as Model System for Studying Mechanisms of Dioxin Toxicity
EPA Grant Number: R823889Title: Cultured Fish Cells as Model System for Studying Mechanisms of Dioxin Toxicity
Investigators: Hahn, Mark E. , Stegeman, John J.
Institution: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: July 1, 1995 through June 1, 1997
Project Amount: $252,790
RFA: Exploratory Research - Environmental Biology (1995) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Aquatic Ecosystems , Biology/Life Sciences , Human Health
Description:
The overall objective of the proposed research is to understand the biochemical mechanisms of dioxin toxicity in fish, especially as it relates to normal cellular physiology and the control of cell proliferation and differentiation. Assessment of the risk posed by the presence of dioxins and related halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAH) in aquatic environments is hindered by the lack of knowledge concerning the mechanism by which these compounds produce toxicity in fish and other aquatic animals. In addition, there is uncertainty as to the relative contribution of individual HAH congeners to the aggregate HAH risk, a poor understanding of interactive effects that may occur in HAH mixtures, and incomplete knowledge of the relationship of proximal biochemical changes (such as induction of cytochrome P450) to more distal, "toxic" effects. These uncertainties suggest the need for model systems in which to address questions regarding the mechanisms of HAH toxicity to aquatic species. The present studies will use a well-defined model system (a fish hepatoma cell line) and well-defined biochemical pathway and associated responses (aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated induction of cytochrome P450) to determine the role of cellular differentiation state in influencing the response to dioxin exposure, and to assess the effect of dioxins on cell proliferation and differentiation in fish. A more complete understanding of the mechanism of dioxin toxicity to fish and other aquatic animals will be important for efforts to assess the risks of dioxin contamination to aquatic ecosystems.Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 16 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 12 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
RFA, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Scientific Discipline, Toxics, Ecological Indicators, pesticides, Ecosystem Protection, Chemistry, Biology, HAPS, Environmental Chemistry, Ecosystem/Assessment/Indicators, exploratory research environmental biology, Monitoring/Modeling, Ecological Effects - Environmental Exposure & Risk, Ecological Effects - Human Health, Chemical Mixtures - Environmental Exposure & Risk, hydrocarbons, toxicity, cell physiology, chemical characteristics, ecological risk assessment, ecosystem assessment, dioxin, hydrocarbon, environmental monitoring, aquatic ecosystem, cytochrome P450, cell proliferation, cultured fish cells, exposure, fate and transport, ecological exposure, dioxin toxicity, dioxin exposure, aquatic ecosystems, biomonitoring, fishProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.