Toxicogenomics in non-mammalian species
Description:... Some molecules or conditions are exclusively toxic to biological systems and classified as being non-essential; others are essential for life. Nevertheless, above certain threshold even the essential will become toxic. Tightly controlled homeostatic control mechanisms are thus vital drivers of well being, longevity and survival. The identification and characterization of these intricate pathways form the foundations of Toxicogenomics.
The initiation, and indeed completion, of numerous non-mammalian genome-sequencing projects, has driven the exponential growth of available genetic sequences. Collating this vast amount of data into functional and mechanistically meaningful units will provide novel insights into pathogenesis, new methods of risk assessment, genetic risk-modifications in preventative medicine and new therapeutic targets for pharmaceutical and biological medicines.
This Research Topic issue will explore the current knowledgebase pertaining to the multitude of genomic and toxicological tools within non-mammalian organisms. The encyclopaedic coverage will span the full taxonomic breadth ranging from simple unicellular bacteria and yeast to complex creatures such as birds and fish. The resulting collection of unique, complimentary or indeed contrasting approaches, tools and technologies (which are defined by the availability and feasibility for each organism to study genomics of xenobiotic or stress biology) will not only foster cross-phyla awareness but expand the horizon of Toxicogenomics.
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