Investigation of Dioxin-like and Endocrine-disruptive Properties of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) Metabolites Using Cellular Receptor-binding Assays

Project: Research

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Researcher(s)

  • Kwan Sing Paul LAM (Principal Investigator / Project Coordinator)Department of Chemistry
  • Margaret Burkhardt MURPHY (Co-Investigator)

Description

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), an important group of brominated flame retardants, have attracted research interest recently due to their widespread occurrence in the environment and their potential toxicity towards wildlife and humans. The potential toxic effects of the products of PBDE metabolism are largely unknown. This study will investigate the dioxin-like and endocrine-disruptive properties of 20 hydroxylated, methoxylated and/or chlorinated PBDE metabolites by measuring their receptor-binding properties using several cell lines. The mechanisms of action to be investigated are (i) dioxin-like activity via binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, (ii) oestrogenic and anti-oestrogenic activity via oestrogen receptor binding, and (ii) androgenic and anti-androgenic activity via androgen receptor binding.The goal of this research is to determine potential mechanisms of action of PBDE metabolites and derivatives. This will allow for a preliminary understanding of the biological effects of these PBDE metabolites and give a greater understanding of the potentially toxic effects of these compounds, which are largely unknown.

Detail(s)

Project number7002122
Grant typeSRG
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date1/04/0730/01/09