Research Interest:
   
 
  Prior to clinical manifestation, the first interaction between contaminants and organisms occurs at the molecular and cellular levels. Changes in gene expression as a result of environmental stressors and the subsequent molecular processes that lead to adverse health effects may be used as quantitative marker ("biomarker") for cellular, organismal and population effects. An integral emphasis of my research has been on the studies of functional and developmental alterations of wildlife caused by exposure to environmental stressors. The development of exposure, response and effect biomarkers for xenobiotics and xenoestrogens monitoring in freshwater and marine species is one aspect of the research.
A major and pioneering focus has been on the development and validation of eggshell zona radiata proteins as sensitive biomarkers of endocrine stress indicating chemically-induced differential gene expressions via receptor-mediated process. Our immediate and future research focus is to consolidate on past research expertise and gains by applying diagnostic gene and protein responses (toxicogenomics and proteomics) targeted towards the understanding of regulatory, functional and developmental aspects of fish oogenesis, reproductive and general health and the influence of chemical substances. In addition to basic research on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind nuclear receptor regulated processes and how they are influenced by xenobiotics (including complex chemical mixtures) in fish species. In collaboration with other research groups specializing in aquaculture, we are initiating studies on the investigation of environemntal and dietary induced gene expression patterns during development and metamorphosis of marine fish species.

Methodology: Our laboratory uses appropriate techniques in our investigations. We routinely employ both molecular and cellular methods. Methods in more routine use include: real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR), molecular gene cloning, sequencing and characterization, immunochemical and immunohistochemical assays, nucleic acid hybridization both in situ and in isolated samples, organ perfusion and in vitro primary cell culture (of liver cells), whole animal evaluation (in vivo), use of chemiluminescence and radio-isotope labeling for cell synthetic estimates, cell fractionation and enzyme purification, antibody production, enzyme activity studies, and other methods in molecular gene expression (for studies of chemically-induced gene expression). These techniques are established in our laboratory and are integral aspects of our daily research activities. We also provide consulting services for these techniques in evaluation of xenobiotic and xenoestrogen effects on living systems and their external and internal physical, chemical and biological integrity.

 

    
   
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