XENOSEQ

The XENOSEQ project aims to develop tools for detecting epigenetic changes caused by chronic toxicity of chemicals by sequencing small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) profiles. Xenobiotics, including herbicides like glyphosate, have raised concerns regarding their possible effects on human and environmental health, but chronic and especially transgenerational effects are often ignored due to limitations of time and resources. This research project seeks to study whether the newly developed PANDORA-seq unveils subtle changes in sncRNA profiles that may serve as early indicators of chronic toxicity. PANDORA-seq utilizes two RNA modifying enzymes, T4 polynucleotide kinase and AlkB demethylase, to extend the repertoire of detected sncRNAs to an unprecedented world. Comprehensive sequencing of sncRNA profiles may reveal chronic toxicity associated with xenobiotic exposure. Here, we aim to 1) characterize baseline sncRNA profiles in healthy systems, offering a reference point for comparison; 2) expose biological systems to potentially toxic agents and track changes in sncRNA expression using PANDORA-seq; and 3) detect early indicators of chronic toxicity, allowing the development of a complementary tool for the assessment of chemical toxicity. PANDORA-seq's precision and sensitivity make it a promising tool for studying epigenetic regulation, which may cause chronic and transgenerational diseases. As this MSCA project is a first effort to use sncRNA for chronic ecotoxicology, we open the research field by using the fruit fly as a model organism, but the technique can be easily adapted for studying other relevant organisms, such as honey bees and mammals.

2025

2027