Project Description
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are natural or synthetic chemicals found in food, cosmetics, packaging, toys, carpets and pesticides. EDCs can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. These chemicals are harmful because they have the potential to interfere and disrupt human endocrine systems, leading to hormonal imbalance. EDCs exposure has been associated to neurodevelopmental impairment[1]. However, the underlying molecular mechanism linking EDCs to neurodevelopmental defects, which is necessary for regulatory action, is currently unknown.
The Master project at NILU (The Climate and Environmental Research Institute, Health Effects Laboratory)
To address this gap, the project will focus on using new approach methodologies (NAMs) to understand how EDCs can modulate adult and developmental neurotoxicity using C. elegans as a model system[2, 3]. Transgenic C. elegans strains will be used to study survival, developmental defects, cognition defects and adult neurodegeneration, in response to EDCs.
The candidate work will support the ongoing EU Horizon project.
1. Caporale, N., et al., From cohorts to molecules: Adverse impacts of endocrine disrupting mixtures. 2022. 375(6582): p. eabe8244.
2. Serafini, M.M., et al., Recent advances and current challenges of new approach methodologies in developmental and adult neurotoxicity testing. 2024. 98(5): p. 1271-1295.
3. Palikaras, K., et al., Assessment of dopaminergic neuron degeneration in a C. áelegans model of Parkinson’s disease. 2022. 3(2): p. 101264.