Toxicology 21: Scientific Applications

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/toxicology-21

Introduction

**Course Review: Toxicology 21: Scientific Applications on Coursera** As our understanding of toxicology evolves, so too does the need for innovative educational resources that reflect the cutting-edge developments in the field. The "Toxicology 21: Scientific Applications" course on Coursera is an exemplary program that addresses the transformative shift in toxicology towards more humane, efficient, and human-relevant testing methods. ### Course Overview This course is designed to familiarize students with novel concepts used in modern regulatory toxicology, particularly in light of the pivotal National Research Council Report titled “Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: A Vision and a Strategy.” With a strong emphasis on the latest advancements, the course delves into the move away from traditional animal testing towards high-throughput, integrative testing strategies that are relevant to humans. It showcases active programs from key organizations such as the EPA and NIH, providing a comprehensive look at how the scientific community is adapting to these changes. ### Detailed Syllabus Breakdown - **Module 1: Introduction to Tox21c** This module sets the stage, offering a broad introduction to the Tox21c field. It emphasizes the principles and foundational ideas of 21st-century toxicological testing, providing students with essential context. - **Module 2: Practical Applications of ToxCast and Tox21** Key technologies like ToxCast and Tox21 are explored in detail. Students gain insight into the U.S. EPA Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program and how these innovative platforms are replacing traditional in vivo approaches, ultimately streamlining the regulatory process. - **Module 3: The Human Toxome Project** In collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, this module discusses the Human Toxome Project and the use of omics technologies. These are critical for understanding various toxicological mechanisms, making this content particularly valuable for students aiming for a career in toxicology or environmental health. - **Module 4: Read-Across and In Vitro Models** This module tackles the concept of read-across and its significance in regulatory risk assessment. It also introduces students to a range of in vitro models, from simple cell cultures to sophisticated organ-on-a-chip technologies, further bridging the gap between innovation and application. - **Module 5: miRNA and Epigenetics** Delving into the molecular aspects of toxicology, the focus here is on how miRNA and epigenetics play a crucial role in toxin interactions and environmental health, equipping students with advanced knowledge in these vital areas. - **Module 6: In Vitro to In Vivo Extrapolation** Understanding in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) and physiologically based biokinetic modeling is essential for toxicity assessment. This module provides a detailed look at biokinetics and the various methods for big data analysis in toxicology. - **Module 7: Integrated Testing Strategies** The final module ties together the course content, discussing integrated testing strategies. The wrap-up lesson titled "beyond chemical" broadens the horizon for students, encouraging them to think critically about alternatives to animal testing and what lies ahead in this evolving field. ### Recommendation The "Toxicology 21: Scientific Applications" course is a must-take for anyone interested in the future of toxicology, regulatory science, or environmental health. It offers a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, all geared towards promoting human-relevant approaches to toxicity testing. Whether you are a student, researcher, or industry professional, this course provides invaluable insights into the transformative dynamics of toxicology in the 21st century. The emphasis on current technologies, regulatory implications, and molecular mechanisms makes it an essential addition to your professional development. Enroll in this course if you are eager to delve into cutting-edge toxicology and contribute to the forefront of scientific advancements that seek to replace outdated practices with humane and scientifically robust alternatives.

Syllabus

Module 1

This model will give you a broad introduction to the Toxicology 21st century (Tox21c) field and familiarize you with the main document, which summarize the main ideas and principles of Tox21c.

This module will discuss how ToxCast and Tox21 technologies can be used in practice. The US EPA Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program will be discussed in detail and we will demonstrate how the ToxCast platform replaced in vivo tiered approaches in EDSP and, thus, acelerate the process of . In the second lesson of this module, the development of in silico models for toxicity testing will be discussed.

This module will familiarize you with the Human Toxome Project run by Johns Hopkins University in collaboration with several university, industry, and research agencies. Omics technologies, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as concepts of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOP) and Pathways of Toxicity (PoT) will be discussed.

The first lesson in this module will explain the concept of read-across, why it is important for regulatory risk assessment, and how it can be implemented by industry in response to REACH legislation. The organotypic cultures lesson will teach you about existing in vitro cell-based models starting from simple monolayer cultures of cell lines and ending with complex combined organ-on-a-chip and human-on-a-chip approaches.

This module will teach you the role of miRNA and epigenetics in toxicology and environmental health.

In this module you will learn about important component of in vitro toxicology such as in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) and physiologically based biokinetic modeling. You will learn why it is important to consider biokinetics in vitro and see some example of biokinetics modeling in vitro. This lesson will also give you a biometry prospective of in vitro toxicology. You will learn which methods can be used to analyze big data.

In this lesson you will learn about integrated testing strategies and how they differ from individual tests or test batteries. Also a wrap-up lesson "beyond chemical" will summaries your knowledge from this course and give a out-look for further directions in the field of alternatives to animal testing.