Machine Learning in Predictive Toxicology: Recent Applications and Future Directions for Classification Models.

Journal: Chemical research in toxicology
Published Date:

Abstract

In recent times, machine learning has become increasingly prominent in predictive toxicology as it has shifted from studies toward studies. Currently, methods together with other computational methods such as quantitative structure-activity relationship modeling and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion calculations are being used. An overview of machine learning and its applications in predictive toxicology is presented here, including support vector machines (SVMs), random forest (RF) and decision trees (DTs), neural networks, regression models, naïve Bayes, -nearest neighbors, and ensemble learning. The recent successes of these machine learning methods in predictive toxicology are summarized, and a comparison of some models used in predictive toxicology is presented. In predictive toxicology, SVMs, RF, and DTs are the dominant machine learning methods due to the characteristics of the data available. Lastly, this review describes the current challenges facing the use of machine learning in predictive toxicology and offers insights into the possible areas of improvement in the field.

Authors

  • Marcus W H Wang
    Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom.
  • Jonathan M Goodman
    Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom.
  • Timothy E H Allen
    Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom.