Molecular Diagnostics and Endocrine Disrupting Compounds

Develop exposure methods, measurement protocols, and models for assessment of risk management practices of endocrine disrupting compounds. As risk management approaches are identified and developed, there will be a need to identify, adapt and develop bioassay screening tools and other analytical methods to assess their efficacy. Measurements research will be performed to define management needs.

Determine extent of environmental and human exposures to EDCs, characterize sources and factors influencing these exposures, develop and evaluate risk management strategies to reduce exposures. In order to develop effective risk management strategies, it is important to understand the extent of exposures to endocrine disrupting compounds and factors influencing source-to-exposure-to-dose relationships. Projects incorporating this area of research: application of molecular indicators for detection of exposure to estrogenic compounds in selected wastewater treatment plants located in ten USEPA Regions. identification of differential gene expression following exposure of fathead minnows to environmental androgens and androgen-like compounds and application of molecular indicators of exposure to estrogenic and androgenic compounds present in CAFO studies When the described methods are applied to the framework of environmental hormones/disruption this approach is particularly relevant to the EDSTAC Committee and scientific testing recommendations originating from there.

• Chemical Analyses of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) in an Aquatic Environment
• Vitellogenin Gene Expression in Male Fathead Minnow as an Indicator of Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in an Aquatic Environment
• Development of a Genomic Screening Tool for Identifying Gene Expression Patterns