Toxicological mechanisms and effects

Utrecht University researchers investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of toxic substances (food-related products, health products, drugs and environmental contaminants) on the nervous system. Research focuses on adverse effects of toxic substances on neuronal network activity, membrane signaling through membrane receptors and ion channels, and on cellular communication through exocytosis. Additionally, intracellular signaling cascades and neurodevelopment are studied for further hazard characterization of various classes of environmental toxicants.

Projects focus on those exposures that are associated with strong societal concern (e.g., alternative flame retardants, drugs of abuse and electromagnetic fields) and/or neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (e.g., pesticides and chemical mixtures) and/or developmental neurological disorders, such as ADHD/ASD (chemical mixtures of pesticides and persistent organic pollutants).

 

Research Projects

  • MOMENTUM - Microplastics and Human Health Consortium

    The aim of this consortium is to determine the effects of micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) on human health and ultimately to prevent this. The MOMENTUM consortium builds upon the work of 15 breakthrough projects that started in the spring of 2019 within the ZonMw research programme Microplastics & Health.

    Duration: 2021 - 2024
    IRAS Principal Investigator: Juliette Legler
    IRAS Project Member: Roel Vermeulen
    Funded by: ZonMw, TNO en Health~Holland

  • ENDpoiNTs

    The European project ENDpoiNTs will develop new testing and screening methods to identify endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that induce human developmental  neurotoxicity (DNT).

    Duration: 2019 - 2024
    Contact: Remco Westerink
    Funded by: European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 825759

  • GOLIATH

    GOLIATH focusses on one of the most urgent regulatory needs in the field of endocrine disrupting chemicals, namely the lack of methods for testing EDCs that disrupt metabolism – chemicals collectively referred to as ‘metabolism disrupting chemicals’ (MDCs).

    Duration: 2019 - 2023
    IRAS Principal Investigator: Juliette Legler
    IRAS Project Member: Roel Vermeulen
    Project Manager: Jorke Kamstra
    Funded by: European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 825489

     

  • RISKHUNT3R

    The new Horizon 2020 project RISK-HUNT3R: RISK assessment of chemicals integrating HUman centric Next generation Testing strategies promoting the 3Rs was launched on 1 June 2021. The five-year project aims to develop a novel and modular framework for animal-free next generation risk assessment.

    RIVM National Institute for Public Health and the Environment is involved in this European interdisciplinary collaboration, which unites 37 partners, academic researchers, regulators, safety authorities, and safety scientists from key industry sectors.

    Duration: 2021-2026
    IRAS Project Member: Roel Vermeulen
    Funded by: European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 964537.

  • GITools - Gastro Intestinal Tools

    GITools aims to establish in vitro assays to screen feed ingredients for beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health and animal well-being. The project will focus on pig and chicken using intestinal models, biomarker analysis, and in vitro enzymatic and microbial digestion models. The goal is to replace animal testing with standardized methods to improve the efficiency of testing new feed products.

    Duration: 2022 - 2026
    IRAS Principal Investigator: Dr. Raymond Pieters
    IRAS Project Members: Dr. Jorke Kamstra, Nikita Korpel, Prof. Juliette Legler
    Funded by: NWO