Project information
Effects of xenobiotics on modulation of steroidogenesis determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Recently, molecular biological methods are increasingly applied to the area of ecotoxicology. The studies of gene expression is an useful and modern tool for the investigation of adverse effects of xenobiotics as well as environmental samples. One of the most modern techniques, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), has been used successfully for the evaluation of endocrine disruptors. These compounds directly or indirectly affect natural hormons which participate in homeostatic, reproductive, developmental and behavioural functions of organism. Chemicals with endocrine-disrupting potential can affect functions of endocrine system in different places. The goal of this project is to confirm a hypothesis that the molecular mechanism of endocrine disruption of some pollutants is linked with the modulation of steroidogenesis at the level of gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes. These effects can be detected by the most sensitive techniques of qPCR. Under the terms of this research: (i) the highly sensitive, specific, reproducible and robust qPCR method for the detection and quatification of gene expression will be set up. This method will be used not only for the study of toxic effects of xenobiotics at the molecular level but mainly for teaching; (ii) this qPCR method will be optimized for use in combination with H295R cell line suitable for the detailed study of steroidogenesis after treatment of a lot of pollutants and environmental samples; (iii) new scientific information about effects of xenobiotics on steroidogenesis will be obtained.