» Cellular Responses to Butadiene Exposure.

This project examines the molecular mechanisms involved in medi­ ating cellular injury and other cellular responses to butadiene exposure. The environmental chemical butadiene is a known mutagen and probable human carcinogen, and is one of the most prevalent pollutants in petrochem­ical industrial areas. Since cellular responses to environmental-induced stress and DMA damage in some cells types is mediated by the cellular tumor suppressor protein p53, we are currently studying the role and mechanism of action of the cellular p53 protein in mediating cellular responses to butadiene exposure. Apoptosis is one of the cellular responses currently being studied, and various biochemical and molecular biological techniques are uti­lized to accomplish our goal.

» Toxic Effects of Combined Butadiene and Cytomegalovirus Exposure.

This project examines how infection with common and persistent viruses, such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), may modulate toxic effects of butadi­ene. Most human exposures to butadiene occur on a background of HCMV infection, which is prevalent in the human population, and persists through an individual's lifetime. Since both butadiene and HCMV possess geno- toxic potential, this project investigated synergistic effects on cellular injury (measured in terms of cell death, apoptosis, and alterations in DNA repair efficiency) in cells subjected to combined HCMV and butadiene exposure as compared to effects of HCMV or butadiene alone. Various biochemical, virological, and molecular biological techniques are utilized to accomplish this goal.