M1 PM State of the Science: Visions for the Future
Monday, 14 November 2005: 1:50 PM - 5:30 PM in Ballroom 1

(ANK-1117-808292) Genomics in ecological risk assessment: holy grail or hype?

Ankley, G¹, ¹ US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, MN, 55804

ABSTRACT- Techniques for rapidly collecting large quantities of molecular data from organisms, such as gene/protein expression and physiological metabolite profiles, have become widely available. Transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabonomic techniques (collectively termed genomics) offer what seems to be an unparalleled opportunity to identify and understand the effects of chemical and non-chemical stressors on microbes, plants and animals. Conceptually, genomics could well serve as the basis for successfully addressing a myriad of risk assessment needs and uncertainties, including extrapolation of chemical effects across species, identification of new biomarkers of exposure and effects, and diagnosing factors responsible for adverse impacts in situations where multiple stressors are present. As with any new technology, as scientists have started to apply genomics to specific research/assessment scenarios, challenges and possible shortcomings have become apparent. For example, to summarize and interpret some types of genomic data, bioinformatic (computational) capabilities and expertise are needed that exceed those historically used by (or available to) scientists involved in ecological risk assessments. From a biological perspective, an important challenge will be identifying causes and understanding the significance of variability in molecular responses among individual organisms exposed to (ostensibly) the same stressor(s). Finally, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that the most significant challenge to the use of genomics in risk assessments is one that has faced us for years in the area of biomarker research-understanding the significance of responses at lower biological levels of organization relative to adverse outcomes in individuals and populations. Insights afforded via the use of genomics undoubtedly will impact ecological risk assessments over the coming 25 years; success in addressing challenges such as those mentioned above will determine how significant this impact will be. This abstract does not necessarily reflect USEPA policy.

Key words: Genomics, Ecological Risk Assessment