Systems biology and birth defects prevention: blockade of the glucocorticoid receptor prevents arsenic-induced birth defects.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The biological mechanisms by which environmental metals are associated with birth defects are largely unknown. Systems biology-based approaches may help to identify key pathways that mediate metal-induced birth defects as well as potential targets for prevention.

Objectives

First, we applied a novel computational approach to identify a prioritized biological pathway that associates metals with birth defects. Second, in a laboratory setting, we sought to determine whether inhibition of the identified pathway prevents developmental defects.

Methods

Seven environmental metals were selected for inclusion in the computational analysis: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel, and selenium. We used an in silico strategy to predict genes and pathways ass

SUBMITTER: Ahir BK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3616967 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature