Understanding the biological behavior of lanthanides and actinides through omics approaches

• Published in: TrAC, Trends in analytical chemistry (Regular ed.) Vol. 167; p. 117251
• Main Authors: Pallares, Roger M., Li, Yanchen, Abergel, Rebecca J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2023
• Subjects: Actinides; F-elements; Lanthanides; Omics; Toxicity; Toxicogenomics; Actinides; F-elements; Lanthanides; Toxicity; Toxicogenomics; Omics
• ISSN: 0165-9936; 1879-3142
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.117251

Lanthanides and actinides are a series of critical elements commonly used in multiple industries, such as energy production, optoelectronics, and healthcare. Despite their presence in multiple human-driven activities, their toxicity has been historically poorly characterized since most studies conducted over the past decades have focused on identifying their median lethal doses or biodistribution profiles in vivo. In recent years, however, several omics approaches have been explored to better understand the biological behavior of these elements as well as to characterize their toxicity mechanisms. Hence, biological functions and paths disrupted by lanthanides and actinides have been characterized, and key genes and proteins that mediate in their toxicity have been identified. Those efforts not only improve our understanding about the biological impact of lanthanides and actinides, but also inform us about the development of new prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against the potential harmful effects of these elements. [Display omitted] •Lanthanides and actinides are essential in many human-driven activities.•Omics approaches are used to understand the biological behavior of the f-elements.•Through these new techniques, biological functions disrupted by these metals are determined.•Omics also highlight key endogenous targets that mediate in detoxification pathways.•These types of studies can inform us about the development of new therapeutic regimes.