Overview on the Application of Transcription Profiling Using Selected Nephrotoxicants for Toxicology Assessment

  • Publication Date :
  • Publication Type : Journal Article
  • Author(s) : Kramer JA, Pettit SD, Amin RP, Bertram TA, Car B, Cunningham M, Curtiss SW, Davis JW, Kind C, Lawton M, Naciff JM
  • Journal Name : Environmental Health Perspectives

Environmental Health Perspectives. 2004;112(4):460-464

Abstract: Microarrays allow for the simultaneous measurement of changes in the levels of thousands of messenger RNAs within a single experiment. As such, the potential for the application of transcription profiling to preclinical safety assessment and mechanism-based risk assessment is profound. However, several practical and technical challenges remain. Among these are nomenclature issues, platform-specific data formats, and the lack of uniform analysis methods and tools. Experiments were designed to address biological, technical, and methodological variability, to evaluate different approaches to data analysis, and to understand the application of the technology to other profiling methodologies and to mechanism-based risk assessment. These goals were addressed using experimental information derived from analysis of the biological response to three mechanistically distinct nephrotoxins: cisplatin, gentamicin, and puromycin aminonucleoside. In spite of the technical challenges, the transcription profiling data yielded mechanistically and topographically valuable information. The analyses detailed in the articles from the Nephrotoxicity Working Group of the International Life Sciences Institute Health and Environmental Sciences Institute suggest at least equal sensitivity of microarray technology compared to traditional end points. Additionally, microarray analysis of these prototypical nephrotoxicants provided an opportunity for the development of candidate bridging biomarkers of nephrotoxicity. The potential future extension of these applications for risk assessment is also discussed.

To download an open-access PDF copy, click here.

Contact Us

Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI)

hesi@hesiglobal.org
Phone: +1-202-659-8404
Fax: +1-202-659-8403

740 15th Street NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005

Stay Informed

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter.