Report of a symposium on the use of genomics and proteomics in toxicology

Over the past few years, and especially since publication of the sequence of the human genome (International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium, 2001), there has been increasing pressure to incorporate novel technologies such as proteomics and genomics into toxicological risk assessment. The Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) and its sister Committees on Carcinogenicity and Mutagenicity (COC and COM) held a symposium to consider this issue on 8 October 2001 at Skipton House, Elephant and Castle, London, UK. The meeting was attended by members of COT, COC and COM and also included members of the Advisory Committee on Hazardous Substances, the Advisory Committee on Pesticides, invited speakers from academia and industry and delegates from various Government Departments. It was also open to anyone with an interest in this area. COT, COC and COM are independent expert advisory committees appointed by the Chief Medical Officer and the Chairman of the Board of the Food Standards Agency. The Committees advise on all aspects related to the toxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity of chemicals. They also have a general remit to advise on important general principles or new scientific discoveries in connection with safety assessment of chemicals. This symposium brought together experts in the fields of genomics and proteomics to assist the committees in providing advice to Government Departments and Regulatory Agencies on the use of these technologies in risk assessment. The symposium started with a general overview of these subjects and introduced the areas of discussion for individual Working Groups. The concluding session included a report from each Working Group and overall recommendations.