In recent years, completion of the sequencing of the human genome as well as the genomes of dozens of other organisms and subsequent development of tools for comprehensive analysis of other cellular constituents have revolutionized biology. These new technologies, referred to broadly as “genomics,” have integrated biologic sciences with information sciences and engineering. The application of these new technologies to toxicology has opened a new era in which genetic variation and expression signatures might be used to screen compounds for hazard identification, to assess cellular responses to different doses, to classify toxicants on the basis of mechanisms of action, to monitor exposure of individuals to toxicants, and to predict.
