New Approach Methodologies in Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology

Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology (DART) is a critical field of research that assesses the potential adverse effects of chemicals and drugs on reproductive health and development. Traditional methods in this field have heavily relied on animal testing, which raises ethical concerns and often presents limitations in terms of human relevance. Recent advancements in New Approach Methodologies (NAMS) have introduced innovative in vitro and in silico techniques that aim to reduce or eliminate the need for animal testing. Despite significant progress, there remain gaps in the comprehensive understanding and application of these methodologies. Current debates focus on the reliability, reproducibility, and regulatory acceptance of NAMS. While some studies have demonstrated the potential of NAMS to predict developmental and reproductive toxicology effects accurately, there is a pressing need for further validation and standardization of these methods.

This Research Topic aims to explore and highlight the latest experimental methods and protocols in NAMS, particularly those that minimize or eliminate animal testing in the context of developmental and reproductive toxicology. The primary objectives include evaluating the utility and limitations of current in vitro and in silico methods, developing new protocols, and discussing the integration of advanced technologies such as genetics, epigenetics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and systems biology. By addressing these aims, the research seeks to answer critical questions about the efficacy and applicability of NAMS in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and chemicals.

To gather further insights into the boundaries and limitations of NAMS in developmental and reproductive toxicology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Reviews highlighting the interests and limits of current in vitro tests using NAMS to predict DART effects.
- New in vitro or in silico methods/protocols applying NAMS to DART assessment.
- Perspectives on the implementation of genetics, epigenetics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and systems biology for evaluating hazards using NAMS.
- Commentaries and advances on new concepts and techniques arising from NAMS development that can be translated into new bioassays and mode of action assessments.
- Systematic reviews identifying gaps and research needs in predictive NAMS.
- New Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) articles detailing the use of AOPs as NAMS alternative assessments.
- Guidelines and recommendations for using generated data for risk evaluation and validating new methods that remain confined to research laboratories.

Keywords: #CollectionSeries, in vitro, in silico, DART, NAMs

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.