Integrating new approach methodologies (NAMs) for neurotoxicity risk assessment

The field of neurotoxicology is experiencing a paradigm shift with the integration of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), which includes in vitro, in silico, and omics-based techniques. These methods promise to refine, reduce, and replace (3Rs) the use of animals in neurotoxicity testing, aligning with evolving global regulatory frameworks such as those from the OECD. However, despite these advancements, the research community faces significant challenges in fully integrating these technologies into established risk assessment frameworks, as well as in gaining regulatory acceptance.

This Research Topic aims to explore and document the potential of NAMs to enhance neurotoxicity risk assessments, and how they can be harmonized with current regulatory standards. It seeks to address critical questions such as the reliability of NAMs compared to traditional animal models, their ability to detect known neurotoxic effects, and how they can fill existing knowledge gaps in neurotoxicology.

To gather further insights in the utilization and regulatory integration of NAMs in neurotoxicity assessments, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• How NAMs align with and enhance current regulatory frameworks like OECD guidelines and the 3Rs principles.
• Innovations in organoid models, high-throughput screening, and AI-driven analyses for neurotoxicity testing.
• Comparative studies demonstrating the performance of NAMs over traditional animal-based methods.
• Analysis of NAMs' efficacy in replicating known neurotoxic effects compared to epidemiological and animal data.
• Identification and discussion of critical knowledge gaps in the application of NAMs for risk assessment.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: 3Rs, NAMs, neurotixicity, in vitro, in silico

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.