ENDpoiNTs

Novel Testing Strategies for Endocrine Disruptors linked to Developmental Neurotoxicity

ENDpoiNTs is a H2020 research and innovation action that will develop novel test methods to identify developmental neurotoxicity induced by endocrine disruption (ED-induced DNT).

The EpiTox group is coordinating the ENDpoiNTs project and is leading two parts: a) characterising the applicability of the murine C17.2 cell line for ED-induced DNT testing by assessing if hormonal pathways are involved in the differentiation process and elucidate the effects of model EDCs on this cell model on the transcriptional and cellular level; b) Identifying epigenetic changes predicting ED-induced DNT in experimental systems and validate their relevance for human exposure and health by conducting genome-wide and targeted DNA methylation analyses in human in vitro models and in rat hippocampus exposed to the model EDCs. The task includes also analysing selected DNA methylation signatures identified in the experimental systems in three human cohorts included in ENDpoiNTs.

As a whole, ENDpoiNTs will significantly contribute to fulfilling the scientific, regulatory, and societal needs for improved hazard and risk assessment of EDCs.

Responsible researchers: MSc. Andrea Cediel Ulloa, Prof. Joëlle Rüegg

Main collaborators: Dr. Anda Gliga, Karolinska Institutet, Assoc. Prof. Anna Forsby, Stockholm University, the ENDpoiNTs consortium, consisting of total 17 participant organisations in the EU, Switzerland, the U.S.A., and Australia.