Biomarkers are key molecular or cellular events that link a specific environmental exposure to a health outcome. For environmentally induced diseases, molecular biomarkers will play a key role in understanding the relationships between exposure to toxic environmental chemicals, the development of chronic human diseases and identifying those individuals at increased risk for disease. Although much progress has been made to identify potential biomarkers, the challenge still remains to validate the accuracy, reproducibility, specificity, and sensitivity of biomarkers, and to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of applying biomarkers in large population-based studies. Such validated biomarkers will be invaluable in the prevention, early detection and early treatment of disease.
Use the search tools below to find additional information about SBRP-funded biomarker research projects.