“The Mechanisms of Neurotoxicity, Neurodegeneration, and Neurodevelopmental Dysfunction Induced by Metals and Pesticides” Platform Session extended an invitation to engage with several new and exciting topics in the field of neuroscience. The session promised an overview of several toxins and toxicant, and explored the realm of influence that they might have on the neurological system. Studying a wide range of model organisms—from C. elegans to zebrafish, stem cells, mice, and brain organoids—the wealth of information presented by these cutting-edge scientists provided expert points of view on the state of the field.
The session opened by presenting the effects of copper on neurodegeneration, which vastly influences homeostasis in C. elegans. Copper, an essential trace element, has several roles in relation to regulating homeostasis, and gene expression, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter levels were covered. The session also explored the effects of metals such as manganese, with two presentations covering this highly influential metal. Manganese is known to cause manganism, which has symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, as well as other neurological consequences. Lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium also made appearances in presentations.
Regarding pesticides, the session touched on the widely used pesticide Roundup, as well as the pesticides chlorpyrifos and pyrethroid.
What stood out most about this session was the novelty of models utilized in these studies. One such model is the revolutionary human brain organoid, spoken about by Maureen Sampson from Emory University, which is reprogrammed from adult human skin cells into induced pluripotent stem cells. The human brain organoids can then be patterned into different brain regions using specific growth factors. They have the ability to recapitulate the cell types in the developing human brain, making them an excellent model for developmental toxicity. The session also covered the use of existing model organisms in new and novel ways, using both in vivo and in vitro approaches, from molecular techniques like CRISPR to novel mouse models.
The session provided a very clear path forward for this revolutionary field, and it’ll be exciting to see where this science goes next.
This blog reports on the Platform Session titled “The Mechanisms of Neurotoxicity, Neurodegeneration, and Neurodevelopmental Dysfunction Induced by Metals and Pesticides” that was held during the 2023 SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo. An on-demand recording of this session is available for meeting registrants on the SOT Online Planner and SOT Event App.
This blog was prepared by an SOT Reporter and represents the views of the author. SOT Reporters are SOT members who volunteer to write about sessions and events in which they participate during the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo. SOT does not propose or endorse any position by posting this article. If you are interested in participating in the SOT Reporter program in the future, please email SOT Headquarters.
#Communique:ScienceNews
#2023AnnualMeeting
#SOTReporter
#Communique:AnnualMeeting