Retinoic acid (RA) is a key regulatory signaling molecule involved in multiple aspects of mammalian central nervous system (CNS) development, including hindbrain formation/patterning and neuronal differentiation. Imbalances in RA signaling pathways are linked with developmental neurotoxicity. In our laboratory, we use a combination of in vitro and in silico approaches to define conserved mechanisms critical for RA signaling and CNS development, and identify toxic chemicals that may cause harm by disrupting this pathway.