Stelvio Bandiera
About the Principal Investigator
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Training
| Degree: | B.Sc. (Honours), Chemistry and Biology |
| Institution: | University of Waterloo |
| Year: | 1974 |
| Degree: | M.Sc., Biochemistry |
| Institution: | Dalhousie University |
| Year: | 1978 |
| Degree: | Ph.D., Chemistry Biochemistry |
| Institution: | University of Guelph |
| Year: | 1982 |
Current Position
| Position: | Professor |
Research Focus
The cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are a major focus of research in my laboratory. Projects include studies of (a) the mechanisms by which hormones regulate expression of CYP enzymes, (b) the effects of exposure to xenobiotics on CYP-mediated activities and protein levels, and (c) the role of individual enzymes in the metabolism of drugs, physiological compounds, and environmental chemicals. A second focus of research is environmental toxicology. Research in this area includes investigations of the toxicological and biochemical effects of halogenated compounds, including polychlorinated biphenyls and pesticides, on humans and wildlife.
Current Projects
Hormonal regulation of CYP expression
We are examining the role of pituitary and gonadal hormones in regulating CYP enzyme expression in liver and extrahepatic tissues.
Hepatic bile acid biotransformation
Bile acids have important functions in the body. We are interested in identifying the pathways by which bile acids are biotransformed in liver and to determine the enzymes involved in metabolite formation. Studies involve detection and quantification of hepatic bile acid metabolites by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Hepatic metabolism of environmental contaminants
Environmental contaminant composition differs among ecosystems and contaminants affect species inhabiting these ecosystems differently. To determine why animal species differ with respect to the type and amount of contaminants found in their tissues and in their susceptibility to adverse health effects, we are studying the metabolism of contaminants such as PCBs and PBDEs using hepatic microsomal biotransformation assays.
Structure-activity analysis of toxic and biochemical effects of environmental contaminants
We are examining the influence of halogen number and position, in compounds such as PCBs and PBDEs, as determinants of their interaction with CYP enzymes and their toxicity.
Selected Publications
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