Identifying therapeutic targets involves a combination of research techniques, including genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics. Scientists often begin by studying the mechanism of action of a toxicant to understand which biological pathways are disrupted. This can be complemented by studies in cell cultures and animal models to observe the effects of inhibiting or activating potential target molecules. Advanced technologies such as CRISPR gene editing and high-throughput screening are also employed to identify and validate potential targets.
