Open AccessEFSA Scientific Colloquium 22 – Epigenetics and Risk Assessment: Where do we stand?
Author(s) -
Bahadori Tina,
Bell David,
Ceccatelli Sandra,
Corvi Raffaella,
Hogstrand Christer,
Munn Sharon,
Nilsson Eric,
Spurgeon David,
Vom Brocke Jochen,
WrayCahen Diane,
Wright Matt,
Binaglia Marco,
Dorne JeanLou,
Georgiadis Nikolaos,
Germini Andrea,
Kass George,
Robinson Tobin,
Rossi Annamaria,
Schoonjans Reinhilde,
Terron Andrea,
Noteborn Hubert
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
efsa supporting publications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2397-8325
DOI - 10.2903/sp.efsa.2016.en-1129
Subject(s) - epigenetics , psychology , environmental health , environmental ethics , medicine , biology , philosophy , genetics , gene
Event report. The issue of epigenetic changes and their impact on human health and life span was prominently\uddiscussed at EFSA’s second scientific conference ‘Shaping the future of food safety, together’ in Milan.\udEpigenetic changes are molecular changes mainly in chromatin, such as DNA methylation, histone\udmodifications, that modulate gene expression directly or indirectly through the expression of noncoding\udRNAs. There is increasing evidence to suggest that individual lifestyles, nutrition and\udenvironmental stressors can affect epigenetic processes and as a result, alter phenotypes, longevity,\udhealth and disease both within generations (from embryogenesis to adulthood) and in a transgenerational\udmanner. In response to the interest in this issue, EFSA has selected epigenetics as the\udsubject of its 22nd scientific colloquium, which was held on 14 and 15 June 2016 in Valencia, Spain.\udAbout 100 scientists, risk managers and policymakers discussed where we stand regarding our\udknowledge of epigenetic mechanisms. The overall objective of the discussions was to identify the\udpotential role of epigenetics in food safety risk assessment. The colloquium was organised around four\uddiscussion groups looking at the following themes: incorporating epigenetics data in mode of action\udanalysis; epigenetics and chemical risk assessment in humans; epigenetics in risk assessment of\udfarmed animals for food production; epigenetics and environmental risk assessment. The main takehome\udmessage from the colloquium was to ask and seek answers to those questions that will increase\udour understanding of epigenetics. What do epigenetic modifications mean for safety assessment?\udHow do we study them? What is the size of such modifications that we need worry about?\udCooperation and collaboration between the various scientific disciplines and with the clinical side of\udepidemiology was identified as a necessary strategic element to improve scientific risk assessment