About

The mission of this theme is to investigate a wide variety of stressors using different model systems and experimental paradigms, to develop a deeper understanding of their association with different biological responses and disease outcomes. Stressors currently being investigated include toxins such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, chromium, and aflatoxin; toxicants such as halogenated aromatics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, endocrine disruptors, dioxins, BPA, and trichloroethylene; air pollutants; physical activity; and the microbiota that have been linked to adverse health outcomes and the development of disease.

Additionally, research groups in the Center have begun to investigate the impact of complex natural and chemical mixtures such as in diet, air pollution, pesticides, and petroleum mixtures contaminating the Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel along the Texas coast that have been linked to adverse health outcomes. Although the model systems and biological outcomes of interest being investigated by Center members are diverse, many topics are shared by several members and are primed for the cross-fertilization of ideas and approaches. Other model systems include cellular, organoid, rodent, and human clinical systems. Biological and disease outcomes include reprotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hepatoxicity, cardio and pulmonary toxicity, immunotoxicity, cancer, and general biological responses.