Environmental and Molecular Toxicology
Research Overview
Molecular Oncology
The initiation of cancer generally requires both an environmental trigger and a genetic predisposition. Cancer viruses, such as the human papilloma virus (HPV), are among the oldest known and best understood environmental causes of cancer. Our research aims to determine the relative frequency with which HPV infection is associated with gastro-esophageal reflux disease and its progression to Barrett’s oesophagus and cancer. In the long run we want to determine whether HPV is one of the causes of gastroesophageal cancer; if so, can this form of cancer, like cervical cancer, be prevented by immunization against HPV?
Environmental Toxicology,
My second major research interest is the genetic toxicology of arsenic. Arsenic, one of the most toxic of elements, is an important environmental contaminant often found in high concentrations in association with gold and copper ores. Although arsenic is a known human carcinogen, the mechanisms of arsenic carcinogenesis are unclear. I am investigating the mechanisms whereby arsenic alters DNA repair and oxidation and reduction (redox) status within cells. Analysis of how arsenic perturbs these systems will give new insight into mechanisms of carcinogenesis by a variety of environmental agents.
Current Collaborators
| Dr Shan Rajendra |
Launceston General Hospital, Tas |
| Professor Madeleine Ball |
School of Human Life Sciences |
| Dr Iain Robertson |
Clifford Craig Medical Research Trust and School of Human Life Sciences |
| Dr Terry Brain |
Launceston General Hospital, Tas |
| Dr Jan West |
Deakin University, Vic |
| Dr Catherine B Klein |
New York University School of Medicine, USA |
| Dr Peter Sykora |
AQUIS, Victoria |
| Dr Yu Hu |
New York University School of Medicine, USA |
Methods
The HPV project involves the amplification (PCR) and identification of HPV DNA in tissue samples from patients. Samples identified as being HPV positive will be further examined to evaluate markers of cancer progression using both imaging and molecular analysis techniques. The Environmental Toxicology project uses cultured human cells and a variety of molecular techniques to evaluate the expression and modification of cellular proteins and signal molecules in response to environmental contaminants and plant products.
Funding
Research is currently supported by University of Tasmania and Clifford Craig Medical Research Trust.
Graduate Research and Honours Projects
Ms Huifen Jean Lai 2008 HPV & Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Link to Publications and Current Projects (via WARP): (http://rmdb.research.utas.edu.au/public/rmdb?indiv_detail_warp_trans+20034)
Other Links
- Mutagenesis and Experiemental Pathology Society of Australasia(http://www.mepsa.org/)
Contact
For further information on current and/or future projects, please contact Assoc Prof Elizabeth Snow (Email: Elizabeth.Snow@utas.edu.au, or phone: +61 3 6324 3981).
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