Institution: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Email: williamsc5@niehs.nih.gov
Voice: (919) 541-2158
Our research focuses on basic reproductive biology of early mammalian embryogenesis and how the environment impacts reproduction. We are currently investigating the epigenetic basis of estrogenic endocrine disruption of female reproductive tract development. We are also performing studies to elucidate the signaling mechanisms involved in controlling egg activation and preimplantation embryo development. These studies utilize a broad spectrum of techniques, including chromatin immunoprecitation, next generation sequencing, microinjection, calcium imaging, and in vitro fertilization.
]]>Website: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/ntp/repro_endoc/index.cfm
Email: fentonse@niehs.nih.gov
Involvement of the epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands in development, differentiation, and carcinogenesis of the mammary gland. Signaling mechanisms of endocrine disrupting toxicants having adverse effects on mammary gland development and the ability of the gland to lactate. Mechanism of action of atrazine, simazine, and cyanazine in the brain.
]]>Email: hunter.sid@epa.gov
Our research focuses on determining the mechanisms responsible for craniofacial birth defects. We use the whole embryo culture system to expose mouse conceptuses to toxicants and evaluate morphological, molecular (Affy arrays) and protein changes. Antisense morpholinos and adenoviruses are used to modulate gene expression and determine phenotypic effects. We are using embryonic stem cells as a model to evaluate the effects of environmental chemicals on differentiation. Using molecular markers to identify differentiation may provide critical information to identify developmental toxicants.
]]>Website: http://www.med.unc.edu/uncgenetics/faculty/magnuson
Email: trm4@med.unc.edu
The Magnuson Lab works in three areas - (i) Novel approaches to allelic series of genomic modifications in mammals, (ii) Mammalian polycomb-group complexes and development, (iii) Mammalian Swi/Snf chromatin remodeling complexes
]]>Email: narotsky.michael@epa.gov
Voice: (919) 541-0591
My research interests include the endocrinology of pregnancy and parturition; reproductive and developmental toxicity testing; mixtures toxicology; structure-activity relationships; axial skeletal development; and strain differences in toxic responses.
]]>Website: http://www.med.unc.edu/cellbio/faculty-research/sulik
Email: mouse@med.unc.edu
Voice: (919) 966-3208
Research in my laboratory is directed toward achieving a better understanding of the mechanisms and pathogenesis associated with a variety of environmentally induced or genetically based birth defects. This information is then applied to development of preventative/ameliorative measures relative to these defects. Our interest in modeling human genetic malformation syndromes and opportunities for collaborative efforts with molecular geneticists who have produced transgenic mice and mice with targeted gene modification have proven productive in our attempt to better understand the developmental basis for a variety of malformations of the brain including anencephaly, holoprosencephaly, and hydrocephaly. Regarding teratogen-induced birth defects, our major emphasis is on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Currently, high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being utilized to identify, characterize, and correlate the craniofacial, ocular, otic and CNS dysmorphology that results from prenatal ethanol exposure at specific stages of embryogenesis. These studies are designed to inform human clinical research and to expand the diagnostic criteria for prenatal alcohol exposure.
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