04/30/2013

DanTox - Eucaryotic testsystem to identify the specific toxicity and molecular modes of action of sediment-bound pollutants using zebrafish (Danio rerio)

BMBF Integrated Project, FKZ 02WU1055, project duration 10/2009 - 4/2013

Sponsor

BMBF German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (FKZ 02WU1055)
Projektträger: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe Bereich Wassertechnologie und Entsorgung

Realisation

Institut für Umweltforschung der RWTH Aachen, Lehr- und Forschungsgebiet Ökosystemanalyse,
Prof. Dr. Henner Hollert
www.rwth-aachen.de

Universität Heidelberg, Institut für Zoologie der Universität Heidelberg,
Prof. Dr. Thomas Braunbeck
www.uni-heidelberg.de

Forschungsinstitut für Ökosystemanalyse und –bewertung e.V. (gaiac), an der RWTH Aachen
Dr. Monika Hammers-Wirtz
www.gaiac.rwth-aachen.de

Hydrotox GmbH, Freiburg
Dr. Christoph Hafner

Project Duration

10/2009 - 4/2013

Summary

The aim of the BMBF-funded joint research project is to develop a eukaryotic test system, which can be used to investigate the ecotoxicological effects of contaminated sediments on gene expression level (DNA-array and RT-PCR). Current ecotoxicological research usually involves a battery of bioassays to cover different toxicological endpoints (e.g. teratogenicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, Ah-receptor-mediated toxicity, neurotoxicity). In contrast, methods that detect alterations in gene expression allow deeper insight by elucidating how chemical exposure and/or environmental challenge affect multiple metabolic pathways leading to these particular toxic response. Gene expression profiles reflect the strategy how cells and organisms adapt or respond to a changing environment.

Hydrotox is responsible for the work package "Transfer into practical application and marketability". In a first step, three model sediment samples (Ehrenbreitstein, Altrip and Hamburg harbour) are investigated with established and justiciable aquatic bioassays for the characterization of the ecotoxicological hazard (algae, daphnia, fish egg, luminescent bacteria, Ames Test and umuC test). This enables ranking the advantages of the newly developed methods in comparison to the established methods. In a second step newly developed methods are transferred to the methodological repertoire of the Hydrotox laboratories. The fish embryo sediment contact test considers sub lethal endpoints and includes genotoxic effects in the comet assay. This test is checked on its applicability and practicability under routine conditions. Environmental samples will be tested and marketability will be assessed.

Further Information
Detaillierte Detailed information is available on the Öffnet externen Link in neuem FensterDanTox project web site.
PSeveral publications are listed on the web site Öffnet internen Link im aktuellen Fenster"Publications in scientific journals"


Contact Person at Hydrotox
Dr. Stefan Gartiser
Öffnet ein Fenster zum Versenden der E-MailGartiser(at)hydrotox.de
Tel: +49-(0)761-45512-24

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