QSAR-Based Expert System for Predicting Estrogenic Activity

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-022844",
  "term": "QSAR-Based Expert System for Predicting Estrogenic Activity",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "Set of expert rules that were developed by EPA's Office of Research and Development to predict the potential of a chemical to bind to estrogen receptors, which could initiate a pathway ending in an adverse effect on reproduction. The rules were developed by testing a few key chemicals within chemicals classes (i.e., food use inert ingredients and antimicrobial pesticide actives) for which little or no effects data are available, to decide which chemicals are more likely to have estrogenic effects and to test those first. By testing key chemicals of each type, an understanding is gained of the underlying relationship between a chemical's structure and the ability of the chemical to bind to estrogen receptor proteins. This knowledge and the rules developed are used to predict which related but untested chemicals are likely to behave the same as tested ones. The approach allows focusing of resources on the few chemicals with the greatest likelihood to produce adverse outcomes instead of randomly selecting which chemicals to test first for estrogenic effects. This QSAR approach is helping prioritize chemicals for the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program Tier 1 screening.",
  "subject": "Chemicals, toxics and pesticides",
  "references": [
    "Toxicity Testing and Risk Assessment Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/qsar-based-expert-system-for-predicting-estrogenic-activity/"
}