The Carcinogenesis and Toxicogenomics Research Core utilizes both zebrafish and trout in studies that apply genomic approaches to ascertain mechanisms of action in neoplastic processes and possible pathways for inhibiting tumorigenesis.
The Neuro and Developmental Toxicology Research Core uses a number of in vitro (cell culture, fish chromatophores) and in vivo (zebrafish) models to address mechanisms of action of marine algae natural products and other chemicals toxic to the nervous system and/or to the developing embryo.
Below are public health applications of selected researchers.
Dr. George Bailey -
Most of my work focuses on the prevention of cancer by dietary factors. Additional interests of my lab include assessing cancer risk at extremely low exposures, and understanding the significance of groundwater contamination in terms of public health. A major discovery by other researchers in this field is the correlation between excess caloric intake and cancer risk.
Also in my laboratory with the aid of colleagues at Johns Hopkins, we have demonstrated that a simple pennies-per-day intervention with chlorophyllin may reduce the risk of liver cancer by more than 50% among aflatoxin-exposed populations in Asia and Africa. Cancer affects more than one in three persons in the US, and results in 500,000 deaths annually. Prevention through dietary choice holds great promise to reduce the incidence of this major disease.
Dr. Dave Williams -
My laboratory focuses on the prevention of cancer by diet. Currently we are trying to identify phytochemicals that can be incorporated into the maternal diet to protect the fetus from chemical carcinogens that cross the placenta. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., costing billions of dollars in health care and untold amounts of suffering. Our goal is to reduce this cost and suffering through prevention of this disease.
The most important application with respect to my own work is the discovery that certain dietary supplements, such as indole-3-carbinol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have health risks in addition to potential benefits. The public needs to be educated about such risks so that they can make informed decisions about dietary supplements.
Dr. Robert Tanguay -
My research focuses on understanding the risk that chemicals pose to developing humans. Generally, fetuses are more sensitive to chemicals. The value is that we can use animal models (zebrafish) to figure out how a chemical causes injury. Then we can find ways to prevent or treat affected individuals.
Marine
and Freshwater Biomedical Sciences Center
