Development and Initial Testing of EcoToxChip, a Novel Toxicogenomics Tool for Environmental Management and Chemical Risk Assessment.

The article focuses on the development, technical characterization, and initial testing of EcoToxChip, a novel 384-well quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) array designed as a new approach method (NAM) to support ecological risk assessment and environmental monitoring. EcoToxChips were created for three laboratory model species commonly used in toxicity testing—fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), and Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)—with gene selection informed by a hybrid approach involving ecotoxicology experts, regulatory end-users, and bioinformaticians. Quality control metrics demonstrated high assay efficiency and reproducibility, and comparison with RNA sequencing data for Japanese quail showed strong correlation, supporting the tool's reliability. The study highlights EcoToxChip's potential to augment traditional toxicity testing by providing mechanistic gene expression data in a cost-effective, ethical, and efficient manner, thereby aiding chemical prioritization and environmental management.