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Computational Toxicology Workshop
April 28, 2005
Introduction
The Ecological Exposure Research Division (EERD) in Cincinnati, within EPA ORD's National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL), conducts research to develop and apply molecular biological indicators of exposure to stressors in aquatic ecosystems. Success in this research depends on active dialogue, during development and eventual transfer of this new technology, with environmental managers and regional scientists who are closest to real world aquatic stressor monitoring and enforcement. For this crosstalk to be optimized, environmental managers and regional scientists need an orientation from ORD scientists to increase their level of understanding regarding the advantages and shortcomings of molecular biological technologies. This CD overviews EERD's successful efforts in technology consultation and transfer, specifically for indicators of exposure to estrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds, to scientists and managers from EPA Region 5.
Background
David Macarus, Region 5 Regional Science Liaison, requested that ORD molecular biologists from Cincinnati visit the Chicago office and present background information on the latest molecular tools for ecosystem studies and updates on their application. ORD-Cincinnati scientists also had data to present on studies being conducted in Region 5 including watershed level monitoring studies of EDC-induced estrogenic activity in endemic fish in the Ohio River as well as an ecoregion-wide survey of species genetic diversity of stream fish (Eastern Corn Belt Plains ecoregion). As a result, this visit presented opportunities beyond that of information sharing on new technologies and offered the chance for partnerships on joint regional interests. Several broad areas of research were described including molecular diagnostic indicators for monitoring, population genetic indicators to assess sustainability, molecular indicators in bacteria to identify contaminant sources and impacts of plant-incorporated protectants in the agroecosystem.
Agenda
Introduction: Region 5 ORD and Presenting Scientists
Presentation: Overview of "The Gene" (PDF, 28 pp., 690KB)
Presenter: Adam Biales, Ph.D.
Presentation: Genomics / Gene Expression (PDF, 32 pp., 1MB)
Presenter: Adam Biales, Ph.D.
Presentation: Genetic Marker Systems (PDF, 37 pp., 5.8MB)
Presenter: Evon Hekkala, Ph.D.
Presentation: Microbial Source Tracking (PDF, 49 pp., 4.8MB)
Presenters: Jorge Santo Domingo, Ph.D. | Orin Shanks, Ph.D.
Presentation: Biotechnology (PDF, 33 pp., 2.8MB)
Presenter: Uwe Stolz, Ph.D.
Presentation: Applications (Tools Available) (PDF, pp., 290KB)
Presenter: James Lazorchak, Ph.D.
Presentation: Panel Discussion of Region 5 Needs
Contacts
Opportunities for training and collaboration:
James Lazorchak, Ph.D.
Acting Chief, Molecular Indicator Research Branch
Ecological Exposure Research Division
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Phone: 513-569-7242
Fax: 513-569-7609
Send e-mail to Jim Lazorchak at Lazorchak.jim@epa.gov.
Information regarding EERD molecular biology research: http://www.epa.gov/eerd/