Transcriptomics / MOA

Transcriptomics, Mode of Action, and Biological Similarity

Transcriptomics can serve as an early, biology-based step in a tiered approach to understanding dose response and human relevance. By measuring how cells respond at the gene-expression level, ScitoVation helps clients generate and test hypotheses about mode of action, identify potential biomarkers of concern, and determine whether compounds behave similarly or differently in ways that matter for safety assessment and read-across.

What we help you answer

• Does the transcriptomic evidence support or weaken a proposed mode of action?
• Are biomarkers of toxicity or biological stress present?
• At what dose does measurable biological activity begin?
• Do compounds in the same class behave similarly or differently, and does this strengthen or weaken a read-across argument?
• What follow-up studies would help clarify human relevance?
• Is a proposed analog biologically similar enough to support grouping, or should it be assessed separately?

Why it matters

Traditional grouping approaches often rely heavily on chemical structure. Transcriptomics adds biological evidence, helping distinguish compounds that appear similar structurally but behave differently biologically, or supporting a mechanistic argument for compounds that appear different structurally but share a mode of action. This can strengthen, weaken, or change a read-across conclusion before it reaches a regulator or internal review committee.