Guest Editors
Prof. Dr. Eui-Bae Jeung
Email: ebjeung@chungbuk.ac.kr
Affiliation: Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea.
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Research Interests: endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), developmental toxicology, neurotoxicity, reproductive biology, molecular endocrinology, environmental health, alternative test methods
Summary
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that interfere with the normal function of the endocrine system, with potentially serious consequences for development, particularly during critical periods such as prenatal and early postnatal stages. Exposure to EDCs has been linked to a variety of developmental disorders, many of which persist into adulthood and can affect overall health. This special issue aims to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying developmental toxicity induced by EDCs, focusing on the biological processes that are disrupted during development and the long-term consequences of such disruptions.
Topics for this special issue include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Cellular Mechanisms of Developmental Toxicity
EDCs can alter cellular processes such as differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and migration, which are fundamental to normal development. Investigating how EDCs disrupt these cellular behaviors in different tissue types, including stem cells and differentiated cells, will provide key insights into their developmental toxicity. Research in this area focuses on the ways in which EDCs interfere with cellular function, leading to abnormal organogenesis and tissue patterning.
2. Epigenetic Changes and Gene Expression Regulation
One of the most critical aspects of developmental toxicity is the ability of EDCs to alter gene expression and induce epigenetic changes. These chemicals can affect DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression, leading to persistent changes in gene activity. Understanding how these epigenetic modifications contribute to abnormal development and the potential for transgenerational inheritance of these changes is a rapidly expanding area of research.
3. Endocrine Disruptors and Developmental Diseases
A significant body of research has linked exposure to EDCs with an increased risk of developmental diseases, including neurodevelopmental disorders, metabolic diseases, and reproductive abnormalities. This subtopic explores the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which EDCs contribute to the onset of these diseases. Research may focus on specific organ systems, such as the brain or reproductive organs, and how their development is altered by exposure to endocrine disruptors.
4. Signaling Pathways Affected by Endocrine Disruptors
EDCs often act by interfering with key signaling pathways that regulate cellular functions essential for development. These chemicals can interact with hormone receptors, such as estrogen, androgen, thyroid hormone, and glucocorticoid receptors, leading to disruptions in normal signaling processes. This subtopic will cover the molecular details of how EDCs alter these signaling pathways, affecting cellular processes like differentiation, metabolism, and homeostasis.
5. Transgenerational Effects of EDC Exposure
Emerging evidence suggests that the effects of EDC exposure are not limited to the directly exposed individual but can also be passed down to future generations. Through epigenetic modifications, EDCs can influence gene expression patterns that are inherited by offspring, potentially leading to long-term health effects. Research focusing on the transgenerational consequences of endocrine disruption will be critical for understanding the full scope of its impact on public health.
This special issue will bring together leading research on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of developmental toxicity induced by EDCs, offering valuable insights into how these chemicals disrupt normal development and contribute to disease. By exploring these topics, the special issue aims to enhance our understanding of the biological processes involved and inform strategies for mitigating the risks posed by endocrine disruptors to human health.
Keywords
endocrine disruptors, developmental toxicity, cellular mechanisms, epigenetics, gene expression, signaling pathways, transgenerational effects, hormone receptors
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