3R VR Med

An in vitro pipeline for investigating species differences in developmental neurotoxicity

Overview: Traditionally, rodent in vivo studies have been the gold standard for toxicity testing, but significant differences between rodents and humans emphasise the need for advanced testing strategies. As the field moves towards non-animal methods, it is crucial to identify the differences between human in vitro and rodent in vivo data. This project aims to increase the reliability and acceptance of in vitro models by developing an in vitro neuronal differentiation pipeline which will be used to compare the effects of chemicals on neuronal differentiation between rodents and humans. Additionally, this pipeline will be validated through molecular endpoints, and by assessing chemically induced epigenetic changes.

Funding source: Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet)

Responsible researchers: M.D PhD Andrea Cediel Ulloa, Prof. Joëlle Rüegg

Main collaborators: Prof. Carl-Gustaf Bornehag (Karlstad University, Sweden)