Summary (2012-2017)

The scientific theme for the Superfund Research Center at Boston University is receptor-based toxic effects of superfund chemicals on development and reproduction in humans and wildlife. The chemicals under study are organic compounds of special interest to the SRP mandate that initiate their toxic actions by interacting with specific molecules inside cells called receptors. This interaction sets in motion a chain of events that often leads to production of new proteins that alter the development of the cells. The research ranges from basic laboratory investigations to large scale epidemiologic studies of populations exposed through drinking water or around a superfund site. The objective is to gain a better understanding of the implications of disturbances of reproductive and developmental processes from exposures to hazardous substances in the environment.