Toxicology Group

Non-invasive imaging equipment

The research interests of the group include mechanistic toxicology, with a particular focus on the development of informative biomarkers, and on interindividual differences in the disposition of drugs and other chemicals.

The group has been developing novel biomarkers of central and peripheral neurotoxicity and of estrogenicity and the group has a long term interest in P450 enzymes in both experimental animals and humans. Recent studies have been focusing in induction and inhibition of the enzymes, and their differential expression, using a targeted antibody approach. Also, they have an active collaborative programme on the pathophysiology of inflammatory lung disease caused by particles and other factors, using non-invasive imaging.

The group work closely with colleagues in the apoptosis and the proteomics groups. They also provide teaching input to a number of courses in the areas of toxicology and xenobiotic metabolism within the faculty and elsewhere in the College.

Department of Health Toxicology Unit

A mess of cigarette butts and ash. Credit Libby Welch, Wellcome Images

The department hosts the Department of Health Toxicology Unit. This Unit is funded under a contract from the Department of Health to conduct critical reviews of topics of toxicological concern, to serve as a basis for discussion by expert committees, such as the Committee on Mutagenicity, Committee on Carcinogenicity and Committee on Toxicity. Topics reviewed range from the specific (dealing with an individual chemical) to the general, (potential causes of childhood cancer).

Unit staff also provide scientific input into policy on the quality of indoor and outdoor air (at the Health Protection Agency) and on the regulation of tobacco products (at the Department of Health).

The toxicology group provides teaching input to a number of courses in the areas of toxicology and xenobiotic metabolism within the faculty and elsewhere in the College.