Novel Tools and Approaches Research Program

National Institute Of Environmental Health Sciences

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The NTA Program will optimize durable capabilities that may already exist within DNTP while introducing new capabilities that have been identified as needs and that have been shown to be valuable in other contexts, with an emphasis on those that are judged most likely to have enduring utility even with modifications/improvements over time. For example, the S1500+ high-throughput transcriptomic (HTT) platform was developed by DNTP in collaboration with several partners to provide rapid characterization of expression profiles of toxicity-related genes following compound exposure, with accompanying benchmark dose (BMD) assessment. This approach has promoted an expanded understanding of mode of action and the interaction among gene signaling networks, and links exposures to adverse human health effects, thus enhancing our understanding of risk. The NTA Program will promote the development and acquisition of novel tools and approaches while balancing estimated costs (resources required) with anticipated benefits (direct benefits to DNTP and indirect benefits to the field of toxicology), while also factoring in risks and likelihood of success associated with investments into specific NTAs. The NTA Program will aggregate the demand emerging from other DNTP program areas and facilitate efficient evaluation and use in different projects and contexts. The value of the suite of capabilities in the NTA Program will be further driven by demonstrated stakeholder adoption of the NTAs and confidence in utilizing information derived from their application. To fully realize the anticipated value, the NTA Program must vigorously engage both internally and externally to stay apprised of DNTP internal projects/needs and seek out novel technologies on the horizon and under development in external laboratories that may be well-suited to advancing DNTP goals. DNTP can lead this technological transformation in toxicology due to the diversity and depth of scientific and operational expertise. DNTP is uniquely positioned to lead and innovate in key areas (e.g., genomics, metabolomics, high-throughput testing, and 3-D cellular models) because of its resources, scientific expertise over a broad range of disciplines, and international perspectives in toxicology. The NTA Program is charged with ensuring that DNTPs leadership and innovation in toxicology continues, and that the data produced by DNTP have direct applicability to public health problems.