February 2, 2016: Thomas Knudsen, "Computer Simulation and Predictive Modeling of Embryo Development"

Human embryonic development is susceptible to chemical exposure. The predicted impact of chemical exposure on the human fetus is traditionally based upon experiments using laboratory animals; however, in vitro profiling of large chemical libraries (ToxCast) is now providing vast data on chemical bioactivity that, in turn can be fed into computer models of the embryo that simulate critical steps in development. Virtual Tissue Models (VTMs) are being developed for complex processes such as angiogenesis and morphogenetic fusion. A virtual embryo system that can reliably translate molecular and cellular disruptions into a prediction of dysmorphogenesis, together with high-performance computing may be used analytically (to understand) and theoretically (to predict) birth defects. Sophisticated VTMs of human development may someday provide the data needed for children’s environmental health protection.