Epigenetics: Environment, Diet, Susceptibility

Yoon Hee Cho, Ph.D. (Cancer, Epigenetics, Epidemiology)

• Defining the relationship of DNA methylation patterns to breast cancer to identify biomarkers and mechanisms
• Impacts of dietary factors on epigenetic regulation affecting susceptibility to cancer and inflammation
• DNA repair gene polymorphism and role of epigenetic changes affecting susceptibility to exposure to gases and particles

Andrij Holian, Ph.D. (Nanotechnology, Lung Fibrosis, Particles, Methamphetamine, Epigenetics and Diet)

• Characterize mechanisms of particle and nanoparticle uptake by macrophages and the potential role of scavenger receptors in regulating lung inflammation
• Defining the mechanisms of particle-induced lysosomal disruption leading to NLRP3 inflammasome activation and characteristics of nanoparticles leading to lung pathology
• Characterize the role of the innate immune response by macrophages contributing to acute and chronic inflammation

Chris Migliaccio, Ph.D. (Lung: gases & Particles; Epigenetics; Systemic Immune)

• The effects of inhaled particles on pulmonary immunity and the regulation of inflammatory responses
• The effects of diet and environmental exposures on immune regulation and pulmonary functions via epigenetic changes
• Environmental changes to macrophage populations and the subsequent immune dysregulation of inflammatory responses

Curtis Noonan, Ph.D. (Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Diet, Asthma)

• Impact of in-home interventions on the quality of life and breathing function of asthmatic children living in woodstove homes
• Collecting data on pregnant women and neonates to investigate the influence/risk of respiratory disease via epigenetic events on gene promoter sites relevant to inflammatory pathways
• Impact of acute exposures to biomass smoke on cognitive function