Toxicology Track

Weekly Newsletter of the MSU Center for Integrative Toxicology
Director: Norbert Kaminski/Editor: Lois Furry

May 12 , 2008, Vol. 31, Number 16

New Topics in Tox. Summer Course / Position

New Summer Course

Topics in Particle Toxicology: From Micro- to Nano-Particles

• Sponsored by the Center for Integrative Toxicology and the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation
  

Course Description:

Historically, research in particle toxicology has been closely connected to industrial exposures to coal, asbestos, and synthetic fibers. More recently, research has focused on the toxicology of ambient particulate matter and man-made nanoparticles. In this course, students will review research literature related to the adverse human health and environmental effects of occupational and environmental exposures to a wide-range of particles varying in size (microns to nanometers in diameter) and chemical composition. Though most of the reviewed areas of research will concern inhalation exposures and pulmonary toxicity, other routes of exposure (e.g., oral, dermal) and particle-induced effects on other target organs (e.g., cardiovascular) will be discussed. The goal of this course is to provide students will an introduction to particle toxicology concentrating on topics related to particulate exposure, dosimetry (deposition and clearance), cellular responses, and pathological outcomes. In addition, students will gain an understanding of in vivo and in vitro models and methods for toxicological testing of particles.

Term: Summer semester 2008 (first term only ¾ May 12-June 26, 2008)
Class time: Wednesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Conference room 162, National Food Safety and Toxicology Bldg.
Course Number: PDI 891
Course Credit: 1
Enrollment: Students must contact Ms. Denise Harrison in the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation (517- 432-4685 or harrison@dcpah.msu.edu) with a student number and course title to receive an override in order to enroll. Course moderators: Drs. Jack Harkema (PDI) and Patricia Ganey (PHM/TOX).

Position

The MSU-CIT Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences program has an open postdoctoral position. Research programs of the faculty employ modern technologies at the molecular, cellular and in vivo levels to explore mechanisms by which toxicants cause tissue injury. Areas of interest include cell signaling, molecular targets, immune/inflammatory responses, gene-environment interactions, susceptibility factors, control of gene expression, hemostasis, fibrogenesis and endocrine disruption in neuronal, respiratory, hepatic, cardiovascular, and immune tissues. Toxic agents of interest include drugs, air pollutants (particulate matter, ozone, mycotoxins) and water and food contaminants (plant and microbial toxins, metals, chlorinated hydrocarbons, etc.) and others. Research funding derives from the NIH and other federal sources (EPA, DOE) and includes a multi-investigator NIEHS/EPA Superfund Program Project grant. The toxicology faculty at MSU collaborate extensively with each other and with colleagues at other academic and industrial institutions; this provides numerous opportunities for postdoctoral fellows to engage in collaborative research that broadens their investigative and networking horizons. This postdoctoral position is supported by a training grant from the NIEHS and is accordingly limited to applicants who are US citizens or permanent residents. Interested applicants should visit the website of the Center for Integrative Toxicology and send a curriculum vitae that includes a short description of research interests, training and experience and three references to Amy Swagart, Center for Integrative Toxicology, Food Safety and Toxicology Building, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824 or by email to swagart@msu.edu. Questions about the position should be addressed to Robert Roth, PhD, Director, EITS Training Program, at rothr@msu.edu or 517-353-9841.