| Affiliations: | TAMHSC MCMD |
| Project Leader: | Melanie Warren warren@medicine.tamhsc.edu |
| Faculty Mentor: | David Threadgill, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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Summer 2016 (complete) |
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Team Size:
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8 (Team Full) |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Throughout this research experience you will explore the fields of Toxicology, Reproductive and Developmental Biology, and Genetics. You will also get the opportunity to earn co-authorship on publications, and potentially present findings at local conferences. |
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Team Needs:
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No previous experience required. Weekly and Mid-Semester Evaluations |
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Description:
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2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD, dioxin) is a well known toxin that exhibits carcinogenic and deleterious effects on various tissues and organs. The general population is exposed to this persistent, environmental bioaccumulant daily through ingestion of common foods and exposure to everyday products (i.e. eggs, milk, hygiene products, plastics, etc.). Dioxin exposure during pregnancy is a particular concern as it heightens the risk of fetal malformations. While susceptibility to many toxins vary among individuals due to genetic differences, current studies of the teratogenic effects of dioxin do not take inter-individual variability into account when evaluating exposure risks. Our study aims to evaluate the effects of dioxin exposure on pregnant females and their embryos in genetically diverse mice to determine how genetic background impacts susceptibility. |