J. Justin McCormick

University Distinguished Professor, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

341 Food Safety Building
517-353-7785
E-mail: Mccormi1@msu.edu

Research Interests:
Dr. McCormick's research is directed at understanding genetic changes at the molecular level that are involved in the transformation of normal human cells into cancer cells. By gaining insight into the mechanisms, strategies can be developed to interrupt or thwart this transformation. His research, which is closely related to his colleague Veronica Maher's work, concentrates defining the specific genetic changes required to transform normal human cells into malignant tumor cells and to determine the mechanisms by which environmental chemical carcinogens and radiation bring about such changes. He studies the nature of the mutations involved, as well as the preventative role of DNA repair. His team has developed a unique lineage of human fibroblast cell strains, clonally derived, one from the other, beginning with normal diploid cells, and moving step-by-step to fully malignant cells able to form tumors in suitable animal hosts. Dr. McCormick's research interests related to toxicology fall under the broad umbrella of biochemical toxicology and include cytotoxic, mutagenic and transforming effects.

Educational Background:
St. Paul's College, B.S., 1957 
St. Paul's College, M.A., 1960 
Catholic University, M.S., biology, 1963 
Catholic University, Ph.D., cell physiology, 1967 

Selected Professional Activities:
Distinguished Faculty Award, MSU, 1990; Distinguished Professor Award, MSU, 1992; Kenneth P. DuBois Award, Midwest Regional Chapter of the Society of Toxicology, 1997; Irvin M. Korr Award for Outstanding Basic Science Research, American Osteopathic Association, 2000; and the Darryl A. Beehler, DO, Research Mentor of the Year Award, American Osteopathic Association, 2005.

Publications:

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