TY - JOUR
T1 - Density Functional Theory in the Prediction of Mutagenicity: A Perspective
AU - Townsend, Piers
AU - Grayson, Matthew N.
PY - 2021/2/15
Y1 - 2021/2/15
N2 - As a field, computational toxicology is concerned with using in silico models to predict and understand the origins of toxicity. It is fast, relatively inexpensive, and avoids the ethical conundrum of using animals in scientific experimentation. In this perspective, we discuss the importance of computational models in toxicology, with a specific focus on the different model types that can be used in predictive toxicological approaches toward mutagenicity (SARs and QSARs). We then focus on how quantum chemical methods, such as density functional theory (DFT), have previously been used in the prediction of mutagenicity. It is then discussed how DFT allows for the development of new chemical descriptors that focus on capturing the steric and energetic effects that influence toxicological reactions. We hope to demonstrate the role that DFT plays in understanding the fundamental, intrinsic chemistry of toxicological reactions in predictive toxicology.
AB - As a field, computational toxicology is concerned with using in silico models to predict and understand the origins of toxicity. It is fast, relatively inexpensive, and avoids the ethical conundrum of using animals in scientific experimentation. In this perspective, we discuss the importance of computational models in toxicology, with a specific focus on the different model types that can be used in predictive toxicological approaches toward mutagenicity (SARs and QSARs). We then focus on how quantum chemical methods, such as density functional theory (DFT), have previously been used in the prediction of mutagenicity. It is then discussed how DFT allows for the development of new chemical descriptors that focus on capturing the steric and energetic effects that influence toxicological reactions. We hope to demonstrate the role that DFT plays in understanding the fundamental, intrinsic chemistry of toxicological reactions in predictive toxicology.
U2 - 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00113
DO - 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00113
M3 - Article
JO - Chemical Research in Toxicology
JF - Chemical Research in Toxicology
SN - 0893-228X
ER -