Toxicogenomics

Introduction   |   Current Research    |   Realisations

In the coming years, genomics and proteomics will revolutionize environmental health research. Since human health risk analysis is based on our understanding of the harmful effects of environmental contaminants from early development to adulthood as well as the identification of sensitive groups. Thus, it is clear that risk analysis will benefit greatly from a better understanding of the molecular responses following an exposure to a toxic substance as well as the ability of studying health effects using homogeneous groups based on individual responses, as opposed to analyses of heterogeneous populations. By bringing together molecular epidemiologists who follow exposed populations and basic researchers who use experimental models to study the effects of contaminants at the molecular level, our network allows for a unique expertise.

Which genes are regulated upwards or downwards (apoptosis, cellular proliferation, metabolism, communication and cell adhesion, etc.) following an exposure to mercury, PCBs or triazines pesticides? Is the response similar in the liver, lung, testes, ovaries and brain? Are the responses of animal and cell models comparable to humans? These are some examples of questions that RRSE researchers will be able to address by toxicogenomics. The Network is also particularly interested in the genetic factors responsible for environmental contaminant-induced breast cancers, unfavorable pregnancy outcomes, and children’s health.

The development of this centre of expertise linked to large genomic centres will allow solid expertise to be developed in the study of environment-gene expression relationships and will contribute to the development of a database on the molecular effects of contaminants in both animals and humans.

In addition to the RRSE’s support, the unit benefits from the financial support of the VRQ’s Réseau de recherche en écotoxicologie du Saint-Laurent and the Fondation Armand-Frappier who contributed to the purchase of equipment for the Human Cellular and Molecular Toxicology laboratory of INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier. In this way, this laboratory will enable the RRSE members to benefit from its expertise in genomics as well as from other aspects of cellular and molecular biology in such areas as reproduction, immunotoxicology, endocrinology and cancerology.

One of the main objectives of the Toxicogenomics Unit is to assist in the training of highly qualified students in this field. In the Tools section, you will find a partial list of equipment and services offered to RRSE members.