Marine Environmental & Molecular Toxicology Group

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In the Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology the faculty, post-doctoral fellows, visiting scientists and students are involved in a broad spectrum of research projects funded by federal agencies (NIEHS, US EPA, US DOD, NIH, NIOSH, USDA, USGS, and US FWS), the State of North Carolina, foundations, and private companies. For more details on the department please visit their web page.

Dr. McClellan-Green’s laboratory at the coast focuses on the study of natural and man-made toxins in the marine environment and their effects on the metabolic activities of marine organisms. The main themes of her research include: 1) Endocrine Disruption [May result from exposure to anti-fouling compounds, petroleum by-products, pesticides, sewage effluents, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals]; 2) Oxidative Stress [May result from exposure to organic contaminants, transition metals or nanoparticles (fullerenes, quantum dots or SWCNT/MWCNT)] and 3) Detoxification pathways [Biochemical and health effects of environmental contaminants and toxins can drastically alter the development, metamorphosis, reproductive capacity or ability of organisms to utilize nutritional sources).

Some specific examples in NC include:

  • Examination of the molecular and biochemical pathways involved in endocrine disruption in mud snails
  • Examination of the molecular and biochemical pathways involved in endocrine disruption in oysters
  • Examination of the molecular and biochemical pathways involved in endocrine disruption in fish
  • The effects of nanoparticle exposure on uptake, distribution and metabolism including oxidative stress in fish
  • Determining the effects and consequences of exposure to antifouling compounds and booster biocides on non-target species including barnacles, mud snails, oysters and sea urchins
  • The characterization of detoxification pathways (cytochrome P450s) in loggerhead sea turtles.

Some specific examples outside NC include:

  • Examination of the molecular and biochemical pathways involved in endocrine disruption in queen conch
  • The effects of nanoparticle exposure on uptake, distribution and metabolism including oxidative stress in fish
  • Determining the effects and consequences of exposure to antifouling compounds and booster biocides on non-target species including oysters and sea urchins
  • The characterization of detoxification pathways (cytochrome P450s) in loggerhead sea turtles, Kemps ridley sea turtles and Green sea turtles.