CHE Current Research

Current Research at CHE

Cellular and Molecular Toxicology

Research in the area of cellular and molecular toxicology primarily involves studies of the mechanisms of toxic action of dioxin-like compounds. These investigations focus on mechanisms involving cytosolic signal transduction pathways and phosphorylation/phosphatase reactions, which influence nuclear transcription factors to alter normal gene expression. In the case of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), specific pathways involving the Src-mediated activation of tyrosine kinases have been shown to be key initiators of complex adverse effects in several cell types including adipocytes and various reproductive cell types..

Pulmonary Toxicology and Epidemiology

Research in pulmonary toxicology is facilitated by the unique inhalation facilities that are available to CHE investigators. These facilities include chambers for study of the health effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Research projects include investigations of the adverse effects of ETS on lung development and immunofunction, as well as on pathogenesis and chemoprevention of lung cancer. Other research projects focus on the adverse health effects of ozone inhalation. The emphasis of pulmonary epidemiology studies is on the hazards of agricultural dusts and chemicals to farmworker health.

Reproductive Biology, Toxicology and Epidemiology

The research activities in reproductive toxicology complement and build upon the program in molecular toxicology, and these projects have focused on the interactions between steroid hormones and xenobiotics in the mechanisms of toxicity to reproductive tract cells. Research in genetic toxicology is focused on the heritable effects of paternal irradiation and the mechanisms by which these effects are transmitted through the germ line. Activities in reproductive epidemiology involve the development and clinical validation of biomarkers for population-based studies of female and male reproductive health. These biomarkers are being applied in large-scale epidemiologic studies of the effects of ethnic background, lifestyle factors and environmental agents on reproductive function.

Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine

Research in epidemiology and preventive medicine is focused primarily on the agricultural workplace. Farmers, farmworkers and their children are being studied to evaluate the relationships between exposure to pesticides and other agricultural chemicals and adverse outcomes including cancer and neurobehavioral effects. New biomarkers of pesticide exposure are also being developed.

Comparative Toxicology and Wildlife Health

Research in comparative toxicology and wildlife health is facilitated by the unique animal and clinical research facilities which are available to CHE investigators. These facilities include specialized animal research areas for birds and fish. Clinical research facilities include a survival surgery, recovery room and dedicated necropsy room. Species under investigation in field studies and/or laboratory experiments include non-human primates, terestrial and marine mammals, birds, fish and amphibians. Investigations focus on animal behavior, prevention and treatment of environmental exposures and population control.

Aquatic Toxicology

Aquatic toxicology includes acute and chronic toxicology regarding individual and population health effects of environmental contaminants on native and non-native invertebrate fish and shellfish populations. Biomarker approaches include development toxicology, histopathology, enzyme-, and immuno-histochemistry of aquatic organisms.

Environmental and Biological Analytical Chemistry

Research in this area is focused on environmental and biological analytical chemistry. This includes plant, invertebrate and fish biochemistry and ecotoxicology, biogeochemistry of pollutants and natural products.

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