6^th Global Summit on Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology October 17-19, 2016 (10 Plenary Forums - 1 Event)
Houston, Texas, USA

Marcelo L. Larramendy, Ph.D., serves as Professor of Molecular Cell Biology at the School of Natural Sciences and Museum (National University of La Plata, Argentina). Appointed Senior Researcher of the National Scientific and Technological Research Council of Argentina. Former Member of the Executive Committee of the Latin American Association of Environmental Mutagenesis, Teratogenesis and Carcinogenesis. Author of more than 470 contributions, including scientific publications, research communications and conferences worldwide. Recipient of several national and international awards. Prof. Larramendy is a regular Lecturer at the international A. Hollaender Courses organized by the IAEMS and former guest scientist at NIH (USA) and University of Helsinki, (Finland). He is expert in Genetic Toxicology and is, or has been, referee for more than 30 international scientific journals. Member of the International Panel of Experts at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, WHO, Lyon, France) in 2015 for the evaluation of DDT, 2,4-D and Lindane. Presently, Prof. Dr. Larramendy is Head of the Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics and Genotoxicology at the UNLP.

Marcelo L. Larramendy’s fields of research interest include genotoxicity, Teratogenesis and Carcinogenesis. His areas of expertise include Molecular Cytogenetcis, Genetic Toxicology and Ecotoxicology.

Professor Kattesh V. Katti is internationally recognized as a leader in the interconnecting fields of—chemistry, radiopharmaceutical sciences, nanotechnology/green nanotechnology and nanomedicine—for biomedical applications, specifically for molecular imaging and therapy of living subjects. The impact of Dr. Katti’s work is widespread, as his pioneering discoveries and strategies, originally developed in his laboratory in bioconjugate chemistry and Nanomedicine, and green nanotechnological tools, are used in many laboratories, industries and hospitals around the world. His contributions in nano and green nanotechnologies have already created a transformative progress in nanomedicine by aiding molecular imaging to help diagnose and manage therapy—all at the cellular levels. Dr. Katti’s ground breaking discoveries in green nanotechnology where he has demonstrated that biocompatible nanoparticles can be produced without the intervention of any toxic chemicals, through phytochemicals of high antioxidant capacities and tumor receptor specificities have created a new generation of molecular imaging and therapeutic nanoceuticals. His approach to green nanotechnology has furthered the scope of holistic and integrative medicine with implications in modulating signaling pathways allowing optimization of therapies targeted to tumor cells/regions without causing adverse toxic effects to normal cells. These original discoveries are expected to have a major impact on how molecular imaging and therapies will eventually be individualized to allow their greater success through theranostic approaches using radioactive nanoparticles, photothermal therapy using targeted nanoparticles and novel therapies involving phytochemicals. Myriad of such approaches developed by Dr. Katti are already impacting clinical translation through comparative oncology in realistic ways as new drugs are being validated for their efficacy in imaging and therapy using tumor bearing dogs where the disease mimics human conditions. In recognition of his original contributions, Dr. Katti has been awarded a number of international awards and citations which include: International Hevesy Medal Award (2015) for excellence in Nuclear Sciences; Elected to the fellowship of the National Academy of Inventors (2015); One of the ‘25 Most Influential Scientists In Molecular Imaging in the World’ award by RT Image, the ‘Father of Green Nanotechnology’ citation by the Nobel Prize Winner Norman Borlaug, Gauss Professorship—Hall of Fame—from the Gottingen Academy of Sciences, ‘Outstanding Scientists Fellows’ award and induction as a Fellow of the Academy of Science, St Louis—one of the oldest scientific academies of the world and many more. In 2013, Dr. Katti was elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science with a citation “for distinguished contributions encompassing nanoscale chemistry, particularly for ground breaking discoveries enabling application of nanotechnology concepts for biomedical applications”. His unprecedented discovery of the production of tumor specific gold nanoparticles through 100% green processes have been cited as the Editor’s choice in Nature, Future Medicine, in Science (AAAS), in Popular Science, by the Discovery Channel and have been highlighted in scientific/medical programs of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC, London)

Dr. Katti's research is focused on unraveling fundamentals of science and apply those principles and concepts to developing new chemical species at the macro and nano scales. In the nanodomain, he is interested in exploring chemical, biophysical, magnetic and photophysical properties, that are unique to specific nanoparticulates, toward the design and development of sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Targeted nanoparticles are being utilized in the detection of diseases at the cellular/sub cellular levels while radiochemical and X ray absorption properties of gold nanoparticles, embedded selectively within tumor cells/sites, are being applied for effective therapy of breast, liver, lung, oral, prostate and pancreatic cancers. Drug discovery approaches are built around clinical translation motif as Dr. Katti strongly believes that discoveries should translate into value added products to ultimately serve humanity. Green nanotechnology is at the focal point of Dr. Katti's approach to pursuing research in nanotechnology as he strongly believes in the total elimination of toxic chemicals either for the synthesis or as byproducts in the production of engineered nanoparticles. Toward this end, phytochemicals occluded within plants, herbs or from various sources from mother nature are being used in developing 100% green processes for the development of nano constructs for use in a plethora of medical, agricultural, hygienic and technological applications

Ghulam Ahmad Shakeel Ansari is a Professor in the University of Texas Medical Branch, USA. He received his PhD from Aligarh Muslim University in India and post doctoral fellowship from University of Texas Medical Branch in USA. He has more than 120 publications and has written more than 5 book chapters. He also received many honors and awards.

His research interests include molecular toxicology, systems biology, biomarker signatures, metabolomics, analytical toxicology, chemical-mediated autoimmunity and chemical-mediated liver injury

Dr. Bluth practices clinical pathology. His expertise includes biomarker discovery and utility, transfusion medicine, artificial blood/blood alternatives, and translational medicine and commercialization. Dr. Bluth is specifically responsible for the transfusion service.

Dr. Bluth�s research interests covers a broad scope including immunology/inflammation, pancreatology, biomarker discovery, glycolipid based anti-inflammatory therapy, role of IgE in viral diseases and cancer, and blood derived stem cell propogation. Dr. Bluth is responsible for the education and training involved in the medical, basic science and translational research in the department. In addition to scholarly peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Bluth served as an Associate Editor of McPherson and Pincus: Henry�s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods (for 21st Ed and 22nd ed). He is the Editor in chief/founding editor of the Journal of Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine and the Journal of Blood Medicine (Dove Medical Press � Auckland, New Zealand).

Dr. Burton Altura is currently serving as Professor of Medicine at New York University School of Medicine, USA

Role of magnesium, sphingolipids and lipid messengers in vascular biology and disease processes, such as stroke, diabetes mellitus and atherogenesis

Dr Chuanshu Huang is currently Professor, Department of Environmental Medicine;Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology Environmental Medicine Environmental Medicine Deputy Director

Signal transduction involved in cellular function, tumor promotion and nutrient chemo-prevention. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in cellular signaling and cancer development . Molecular mechanism of anti-cancer nutrients; Environment and carcinogenesis; |Signal transduction involved in cellular function, tumor promotion and nutrient chemo-prevention. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in cellular signaling and cancer development . Molecular mechanism of anti-cancer nutrients; Environment and carcinogenesis; |Signal transduction involved in cellular function, tumor promotion and nutrient chemo-prevention. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in cellular signaling and cancer development . Molecular mechanism of anti-cancer nutrients; Environment and carcinogenesis; |Signal transduction involved in cellular function, tumor promotion and nutrient chemo-prevention. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in cellular signaling and cancer development . Molecular mechanism of anti-cancer nutrients; Environment and carcinogenesis;

Alexei Basnakian received his PhD and DSc degrees from the Russian Academy of Medical Science, both in the field of DNA endonucleases. He had postdoctoral trainings in molecular biology at the Harvard Medical School and in toxicology/cancer research at the National Center for Toxicological Research. Dr. Basnakian is Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Director of the DNA Damage and Toxicology Core Center at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Research Career Scientist at the Veteran’s Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. He is an author of more than 85 peer-reviewed papers and 12 reviews or book chapters. Dr. Basnakian is an Editorial Board member of several biomedical journals, and a member of NIH and VA grant study sections. His research interests are in DNA endonucleases and DNA damage associated with toxicity, anti-cancer therapy, cell injury and cell death.

DNA endonucleases and DNA damage associated with toxicity, anti-cancer therapy, cell injury and cell death.

Dr. Mohamed Abou-Donia is a Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at Duke University Medical Center. He also holds a secondary appointment as a Professor of Neurobiology. He has been the Director of the Neurotoxicology Laboratory at Duke University Medical Center (1975-present). He was the Deputy Director of the Toxicology Program at Duke University from 1981 to 1995. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley. He is a Certified Toxicologist by both the American Board of Toxicology since 1981 and the Academy of Toxicological Sciences since 1982. The overall research program in his laboratory is directed toward understanding the basic mechanism by which chemicals, e.g., pesticides, solvents, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, drugs, and nerve agents, adversely the nervous system. He has been investigating the mechanisms involved in the Persian Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses and developing treatment for them. His research program has focused on the assessment of brain injury from chemicals and trauma and developing serum biomarkers for such injuries. (e.g. J. Toxicol. Environ Health 76:363-380.). His research program has been funded by private organizations, e.g., Rockefeller Foundation and World Health Organization and federal agencies including NIESH, NIOSH, EPA, USDA, and DOD. He has more than 300 peer reviewed publications, most of which are in the area of neurotoxicology and edited a book “Neurotoxicology”.

Organophosphorus compounds (Ops) induce neurodegenerative disorders. This action is related to their ability to phosphorylate target proteins. Ops have three distinct actions: 1) Cholinergic neurotoxicity resulting from inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), 2) Organophosphorus ester-Induced Delayed Neurotoxicity (OPIDN), and 3) Organophosphorus ester-Induced Chronic Neurotoxicity (OPICN). Our recent studies using gene expression of rat brain, 15 min and 3 months after exposure to sarin, elucidated the sarin-induced neurotoxicity. A lethal dose of sarin caused up-regulation of nicotinic, muscarinic, GABAnergic and glutamergic receptors, consistent with the activation of glutamate receptors leading to the release of l-glutamate amino acid and activation of NMDA receptor resulting in massive Ca2+ influx and neuronal cell death. Calcium calmodulin kinase II was up-regulated in brain regions that are sensitive to OPIDN. This enzyme that is involved with glutamate receptors in the process of learning and memory is activated by Ca2+ influx through NMDA receptors resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and free radical formation, followed by caspase activation and apoptotic cell death.

Dr. Costa has been working in the area of epigenetics and cancer for over 20 years. He has studied how carcinogenic metals affect the epigenetic program through inhibition of histone demethylases. In particular, Dr. Costa has studied how Arsenic, Nickel and Chromate alter histone posttranslational modifications in chromatin using cell culture and in human PBMCs. Dr. Costa has also conducted ChIP-Seq using several histone marks and RNA-Seq following carcinogenic metal treatment of cells. He has been working on the mechanism of metal carcinogenesis for over 35 years.

Environmental Medicine, Genotoxicity, Toxicology, Pharmacology,Oncology

Dr. Thomas Slaga has more than 45 years of experience in studying the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and chemoprevention and directing and establishing research centers. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Associate Director for Basic Research of the NCI designated Cancer Center, Director of the Texas Consortium of Chronic Disease Prevention and Director of the Regional Health Science Center at Edinburg. Dr. Slaga started an active leadership role when he became head of an interactive research program on carcinogenesis and chemoprevention at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Later he became Director of the UTMDACC-SP whose mission was multidisciplinary and interactive research on cancer causation and prevention. Dr. Slaga became Scientific Director at the AMC Cancer Research Center and Deputy Director of the University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Slaga has an important leadership role nationally and internationally in carcinogenesis and cancer prevention having started the Journal of Molecular Carcinogenesis. He has served on many review committees such as a full member and chair of the Chemical Pathology Study Section, American Cancer Society review groups, Cancer Center review groups and program project review committees. He also served on several NIEHS, EPA and FDA review committees. Dr. Slaga also serves on the Board of Directors for the Aspen Cancer Conference and several scientific advisory committees. He has a very active and funded research program. Continuously funded since 1974, his research program is currently supported by several R01 grants. He has over 300 peer reviewed publications and over 200 invited review articles, book chapters and scientific books on cancer as well as a lay book entitled, "The Detox Revolution" which emphasizes the importance of diet, nutrition and phytonutrients in chronic disease prevention.

The research in Dr. Thomas Slaga's laboratory is focused on glucocorticoid hormones (GC), very potent inhibitors of physiological DNA synthesis in keratinocytes in vivo. These hormones are also very effective in preventing carcinogen- and tumor promoter-induced skin hyperplasia, inflammation, and mouse skin tumor formation when applied to skin together with a carcinogen or a tumor promoter. We and others have shown, however, that the GC do not affect the growth of either established papillomas, squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), or transformed keratinocytes in vitro. In addition, we recently found that the GC do not affect glucocorticoid-responsive genes in transformed keratinocytes both in vitro and in vivo. We have generated skin-targeted transgenic mice over-expressing the GR under the control of the keratin 5 (K5) promoter. These adult transgenic mice have impaired proliferative and inflammatory responses to skin tumor promoters. Our initial studies showed that the K5.GR transgenic animals are resistant to ras-induced tumorigenesis. The constitutively nuclear overexpression and activation of the GR in the epidermis dramatically inhibited skin tumor development in K5.GR/ras+ double transgenic mice in terms of number of animals that develop tumors, number of tumors per animal, and tumor size. In another study we plan to determine the mechanism(s) of synergistic action of the natural source compounds, known to inhibit one or more stages of skin carcinogenesis, i.e., initiation and promotion/progression. The concurrent topical and systemic (i.e., dietary) treatment with selected natural source inhibitors of different stages of skin carcinogenesis result in synergistic effects leading to more efficient prevention of skin cancer. The natural source inhibitors to be tested include ellagic acid, imperatorin from the family of coumarins, proanthocyanidin B-2-gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin from the family of green tea polyphenols, N-acetylcysteine, calcium D-glucarate, lycopene, carnosol and ursolic acid from rosemary extract, and resveratrol. We propose to initially utilize a number of very predictive short-term in vitro and in vivo tests in order to identify the mechanism(s) and to differentiate the potencies of selected inhibitors at various concentrations under standard conditions. The most effective compounds will then be studied in long-term tumor experiments utilizing a 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-promoted multistage carcinogenesis model in SENCAR mice.

Raghbir Athwal has done his BSc Biology, MSc Genetic at the Punjab Agricultural University. He completed his PhD in Genetics at the University of Missouri. Dr. Raghbir Athwal has done his Postdoctoral fellowship in the Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatrics at the University of Missouri and in the Laboratory of Biochemistry at the Howard University Medical School. Dr. Raghbir Athwal has been research associate National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. Currently, Dr. Raghbir Athwal is working as a Professor in the department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Temple University School of Medicine and Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology

The long term goal of our research is to elucidate molecular and genetic pathways involved in the regulation of normal cell growth leading to senescence, and their role in the development of cancer and cellular aging. Normal mammalian cells, unlike cancer cells, multiply only for a finite number of generations, and eventually enter a state of irreversible growth arrest, “the replicative senescence”. Applying a functional strategy, we have identified four cell senescence genes, three on chromosome 6q and one on 16q. The ectopic expression of one of the genes (SEN6A), cloned in a retroviral vector, induce senescence in ovarian and breast tumor cells, and lead to premature senescence in normal human fibroblasts. SEN6A is either rearranged or not expressed in many of the breast and ovarian tumor cells, suggesting that it plays a role in the etiology of breast and ovarian cancers. Further pursuit of our research includes delineation of mechanisms of SEN6A inactivation in tumor cells; and identifies signaling pathways involved in the functioning of SEN6A. Our preliminary observations revealed that SEN6A may be involved in DNA damage-repair response through a pathway related to the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). These finding evoked our interest to study genes associated with DNA damage – repair pathways in relation to cellular senescence. Signaling pathways that regulate cell senescence has gained significance as emerging targets for cancer therapy. In another project, we are investigating the molecular mechanisms of virus induced malignant transformation of human cells. These studies are driven by the hypothesis that immortalization of human cells requires the disruption of specific genes through viral integration. Using SV40 mediated immortalization of human fibroblasts as a model system; we have isolated a human DNA segment, corresponding to the viral insertion site. The introduction of this cloned human DNA segment, into SV40 immortalized cells, led to the restoration of normal cell growth pattern and senescence. Almost 100 percent of cervical cancer is positive for the presence of HPV virus. Future studies in this project are directed to identify human genes disrupted through HPV integration, and examine their role in the etiology of cervical cancer. The ultimate aim of our research is to identify molecular targets for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of cancer.

Dr. Mustafa I. Selim is currently working as Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Dr. Mustafa I. Selim expertise in Toxicology, Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Pharmacology

Research in Dr. Selim's laboratory is focused on two areas: 1) investigating the toxic and detoxification mechanisms of hazardous and cancer causing chemicals, such as pesticides and mycotoxins (particularly aflatoxin B1), with the goal of developing technology for treatment or mitigation of exposure to such chemicals.2) method development and application of modern analytical techniques (e.g. SFE, GC/MS & LC/MS) for studying: the effect of air pollutants on cardiovascular and upper respiratory diseases; assessing the health effects of human exposure to toxic and endocrine disrupting chemicals in drinking water, foods, dietary supplements, and consumer products.

At the NCL, Dr. Dobrovolskaia directs characterization related to a nanomaterials' interaction with components of the immune system. She monitors acute/adverse effects of nanoparticles as they relate to the immune system, both in vitro and in animal models. Dr. Dobrovolskaia is also responsible for the development, validation and performance qualification of in vitro and ex vivo assays to support preclinical characterization of nanoparticles, and for monitoring nanoparticle purity from biological contaminants such as bacteria, yeast, mold and endotoxin. Additionally, she leads structure activity relationship studies aimed at identifying the relationship between nanoparticle physicochemical properties and their interaction with macrophages, components of the blood coagulation cascade, and complement systems. Prior to joining the NCL, Dr. Dobrovolskaia worked as a Research Scientist in a GLP laboratory at PPD Development, Inc. in Richmond, VA. She was responsible for the design, development and validation of bioanalytical ligand-binding assays to support pharmacokinetic and toxicity studies in a variety of drug development projects. She received her M.S. degree from the Kazan State University in Russia, her Ph.D. from the N.N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences in Moscow, Russia, and completed two postdoctoral trainings in immunology at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, MD and the University of Maryland in Baltimore, MD. Her areas of expertise include cell signaling, innate immunity, immunogenicity and analytical methodology.

Her areas of expertise include cell signaling, innate immunity, immunogenicity and analytical methodology.

Amr Amin has completed his PhD at University of Illinois at Chicago, and received a post-doctoral training in the field of molecular genetics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He started his academic career at UAE University where he serves now as a Full Professor of Cell Biology. Amr’s research focuses on ways to control cancer, particularly liver cancer. He published many research articles and reviews and serves as reviewer and as an editorial member of many specialized peer-reviewed journals. He is also a member of many specialized societies and the sole recipient of multiple national and international scientific awards.

Biological application of nanotechnology,Biological applications of MRI and CT, Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Preventive medicine

Amr Amin has completed his PhD at University of Illinois at Chicago, and received a post-doctoral training in the field of molecular genetics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He started his academic career at UAE University where he serves now as a Full Professor of Cell Biology. Amr’s research focuses on ways to control cancer, particularly liver cancer. He published many research articles and reviews and serves as reviewer and as an editorial member of many specialized peer-reviewed journals. He is also a member of many specialized societies and the sole recipient of multiple national and international scientific awards.

Biological application of nanotechnology Biological applications of MRI and CT Cancer Biology Cell Biology Preventive medicine