Density Functional Theory in the Prediction of Mutagenicity: A Perspective

Piers Townsend, Matthew N. Grayson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (SciVal)
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Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)179-188
Number of pages10
JournalChemical Research in Toxicology
Volume34
Issue number2
Early online date7 Aug 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Feb 2021

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/L016354/1) and the University of Bath.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology

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