Catherine G. Klein, PhD

With molecular biologic and molecular cytogenetic techniques, we study the mutagenic and epigenetic mechanisms that can silence gene expression leading to cancer and other complex diseases. We study the epigenetic potential of oxidative carcinogens and clastogens, including x-rays, anticancer therapeutics, metals and traditionally nonmutagenic carcinogens such as diethylstilbestrol (DES), as well as other xenoestrogens or environmental toxicants, including formaldehyde, environmental mixtures, e-cigarettes and nanoparticles.  RNA -Seq and epigenome/DNA methylation arrays add complementary information about genes and pathways to define mechanisms that can be altered by a variety of environmental exposures.