What Are the Applications of Cluster Analysis in Toxicology?
Cluster analysis is widely used in toxicology for various applications:
Identifying Chemical Groupings: By clustering chemicals with similar structures or properties, toxicologists can predict potential toxicological effects of untested compounds. Risk Assessment: Clusters of exposure data can help identify populations at greater risk of adverse health effects from environmental pollutants. Biomarker Discovery: Grouping biological response data allows for the identification of biomarkers that are indicative of specific toxicological outcomes. Mechanistic Insights: Clustering can reveal pathways or mechanisms of action by grouping genes or proteins with similar expression patterns in response to toxins.