Studies focus on measuring changes in intracellular calcium, pH, sodium and magnesium in isolated cells using fluorescent indicators in cells stimulated to undergo apoptosis. Alterations in signal transduction pathways which are responsible for the ionic alternations are also under study. Applicants must have experience in ion measurements using fluorescent indicators or experience with cell culture or molecular biology. Knowledge and techniques in molecular biology are applied to investigations designed to determine effects of low-dose exposures to environmental agents. Animal models, cell systems and human samples are used.
Studies encompass mutation analysis and signal transduction elements.
Studies involve characterization of response elements, interaction with other transcriptional factors and gene knockouts. Applicants must have training in molecular biology techniques. Studies are aimed at understanding the mechanisms by which organisms produce mutations. The regulation and mechanism of human DNA polymerases involved in the replication of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA is being investigated. Attention is on the mutation rate of the mitochondrial and nuclear genome by understanding the enzymology of the mitochondrial and nuclear DNA polymerases.