Molecular Toxicology is a concise introduction to the subject, taking the reader through the theoretical principles of toxicology followed by specific examples. In the first section, the concepts behind possible mechanisms of toxicity are described (e.g. the specific enzyme or receptor system) using examples where appropriate. Following this a series of examples are used to show the extension of concept into the real world, in an organ specific manner. The book concludes with a section outlining toxicity assessment methods, where the impact of molecular biology is having a considerable impact, including DNA microarrays, proteomics and bioinformatics. The Advanced Text series is designed for students taking advanced-level courses in life sciences, including final year undergraduates and taught MSc. Titles in this series will also be invaluable to researchers new to the field, and to established researchers as a basic reference.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4 ) is a liver enriched transcription factor that belongs to the nuclear receptor family, and controls the expression of genes involved in various different functions, such as nutrient transport, metabolism, growth and differentiation. Recently, fatty acids and/or fatty acyl CoAs as well as some xenobiotics (e.g. hypolipidemic drugs) have been suggested as HNF4 ligands. The aim of this study was to identify potential ligands for HNF4, using a DAUDA fluorescence displacement assay. LFABP was expressed and purified as a positive control, and used successfully to validate the DAUDA assay. Rat HNF4 LBD was successfully expressed and purified, therefore further work for ligand identification was performed using the rat HNF4 . Suitability of the DAUDA fluorescence displacement assay for screening of ligands for rat HNF4 was confirmed by a characteristic blue shift in fluorescence emission upon protein binding, as previously reported. Ligands screened in this study included five different fatty acids, palmitoyl CoA, and hypolipidemic xenobiotics of the fibrate family (fenofibrate, bezafibrate, clofibrate), as well as pioglitazone (a thionolidinedione).