Integrating computational tools and human cell-based NAMs for human-relevant risk assessments

Rasim Barutcu, PhD.

Dr. Barutcu is a Senior Bioinformatician at ScitoVation LLC, specializing in toxicogenomics and computational biology. With over a decade of experience as a molecular biologist and as a data scientist, Dr. Barutcu has established himself as an expert in analyzing large-scale high-throughput omics data, particularly in the fields of RNA biology, genomics, and toxicology. Dr. Barutcu’s recent work has focused on applying advanced bioinformatics and machine learning techniques to toxicological research. His publications in the last two years demonstrate his expertise in integrating gene expression and splicing dynamics across dose-response studies, evaluating genotoxicity biomarkers, and investigating the mode of action for various toxicants using transcriptomics. He has made significant contributions to understanding the effects of chemicals such as TCDD and PFAS on liver toxicity and circadian disruption, as well as advancing new approach methodologies for inhalation risk assessment. While currently specializing in toxicogenomics, Dr.Barutcu’s skills are highly transferable across various omics disciplines. While specializing in toxicogenomics, Dr. Barutcu’s expertise extends broadly across various omics disciplines. His earlier work, published in high-impact journals, showcases his deep understanding of nuclear architecture, chromatin organization, and RNA biology. Dr. Barutcu has made significant contributions to mapping nuclear domain-associated transcripts, investigating the role chromosome organization in cancer, cellular differentiation and n various cellular contexts. This comprehensive background in genomics, epigenomics, and RNA biology, combined with his recent focus on toxicology, uniquely positions him to tackle complex challenges. His ability to integrate diverse omics datasets and apply advanced computational techniques allows for nuanced insights into biological mechanisms across different fields, from fundamental cell biology to applied toxicology.

Leslie Recio, PhD, DABT, ATS

Dr. Leslie Recio, DABT, Chief Scientific Officer at ScitoVation has thirty years of experience in investigative toxicology research in the areas of mutagenesis, toxicogenomics and regulatory based genotoxicity assessment using in vitro cell culture methods, in vivo studies in rodent models, and toxicogenomics. He received both his M.S. and PhD in Toxicology from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Recio has published more than 110 manuscripts in the peer-reviewed literature examining mode-of-action, risk assessment based genetic toxicology studies, identification of biomarkers of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity. Dr. Recio served on board of Councilors for the North Carolina Chapter of the Society of Toxicology (2006-2008), and in 2006 was the President of the Genetic and Environmental Mutagenesis Society. In 2010, he was appointed to the SOT Council on Diversity Initiatives and in 2012 elected President for the SOT’s Hispanic Organization for Toxicologist. In 2012- present serves on OECD Expert Group charged with revising OECD genetic toxicology test guidelines. Dr. Recio serves on the Editorial Board for Mutation Research – Reviews in Mutation Research and was an Editorial Board Member and an Associate Editor for Toxicological Sciences from 2010-2019.