The focus of my laboratory is to investigate the molecular mechanisms of xenobiotic exposure and to link these molecular changes to xenobiotic-induced pathologies. Currently, our research is focused on the effects of the environmental contaminant dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlordibenzo- p -dioxin: TCDD) and retinoic acid on matrix remodeling using both in vitro and in vivo model systems. By utilizing both model systems, our goal is to identify biologically relevant molecular targets of the signaling pathways that are activated by exposure to environmental contaminants.

	Prince, V., LaPrete, V., Hillegass, J. and White, L.A. Expression of Matrix metalloproteinases is altered by exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin during Medaka (Oryzias latipes) development (In Preparation- Aquatic Toxicology)
	Villano, C.M. and White, L.A. Expression of the helix-loop-helix protein Inhibitor of DNA Binding –1 (Id-1) is activated by all-trans retinoic acid in normal human keratinocytes. (Submitted-Journal of Biological Chemistry)
	Villano, C. M., Murphy, K.A., Akintobi, A. M. and White, L.A. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin activates MMP expression and invasion in melanoma cells. (In PRESS- Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology).
	Murphy, K. A., Villano, C. M., Dorn, R., and White, L.A. (2004) Interaction between the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Retinoic Acid Pathways Increases Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Expression in Keratinocytes. J. Biol. Chem. 279: 25284-93.