Metabolic activation of arylamines, nitroaromatics, and related mutagens

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The focus of my research program is Molecular Toxicology. Our long-term goal is to understand the biochemical mechanisms that lead from exposure of a cell to a chemical to the ultimate toxic consequences of that exposure - e.g., induction of mutations, the raw material for evolutionary change. Most environmental mutagens are metabolized to DNA-reactive electrophiles. Consequently, I approach toxicology through biochemistry - especially, characterizing the enzymes that catalyze mutagen biotransformation. Fundamental questions about the metabolism and toxicology of aromatic amines, azo dyes, and nitroaromatic compounds (many of which are carcinogens) remain unanswered, but modern analytical and molecular-biological technologies are bringing the answers within reach.