CONTROL OF MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION BY NITRIC OXIDE

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Dr. Heck is interested in mechanisms of oxidative stress induced by ultraviolet light as a mechanism of carcinogenesis. She has been characterizing endogenous cellular photosensitizers and antioxidants that form a balance in protecting cells from ultraviolet light-mediated toxicity. Dr. Heck has found that nitric oxide is a key mediator of the actions of ultraviolet light. Her research has focused on determining if nitric oxide functions as an anti-oxidant of a pro-oxidant. Towards this end she has been active in the BRC in developing and validating a nitric oxide self-referencing biosensor. In the BRC she has been characterizing nitric oxide production by a variety of cell types. She has also been investigating the role of peroxynitrite in mediating cellular oxidative stress as measured using a self-referencing oxygen biosensor. In collaboration with Joshua Gray, she has been investigating the role of hyperoxia in mediating cellular nitric oxide production.