Toxicology Seminar with Dr. Georg Wondrak

Talk Title: “The expanding skin redox exposome: From environmental stressors to skin cancer prevention”

Bio: Dr. Georg Wondrak’s research examines the pathological role of oxidative stress in solar photodamage and skin cancer (melanoma and nonmelanoma) aiming at the design of novel molecular strategies for redox-directed prevention and therapeutic intervention, investigations with potential relevance to other malignancies with insufficient treatment options including prostatic and pancreatic carcinoma. Based on his international professional training and proven track record in skin solar ultraviolet radiation/photodamage-related biochemical and pharmacological investigations, Dr. Wondrak’s research team at the College of Pharmacy and the University of Arizona Cancer Center is well positioned to pursue translational biomolecular investigations that test preventive and therapeutic efficacy of pharmacological modulation of cellular stress response pathways impacting skin photo-damage and photocarcinogenesis through redox regulatory molecular targets [such as TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4), NRF2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2), and GLO1 (Glyoxalase 1)]. Their NCI-funded melanoma-directed research tests feasibility of repurposing clinical redox antimalarials (including artemisinin-endoperoxides) for therapeutic intervention in advanced murine disease models. They are also testing the redox-based cancer-directed activity of diverse small molecule agents modulating the cellular stress response [including hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and deuterium oxide (D2O) causing oxidative and isotopic (heavy atom) disruption]. Serving as President of the American Society for Photobiology (ASP; 2016-2018) I have pursued the opportunity to enhance the research momentum, scientific impact, and public visibility of our scientific society. As Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) overseeing more than 50 students in four graduate tracks at the College of Pharmacy and serving as a member of the Cancer Biology (CBIO) graduate program, Dr. Wondrak has the opportunity to mentor numerous gifted graduate students and postdoctoral researchers contributing to his research funded continuously by NIH since 2007.

Zoom Link: https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUod-upqz0tHdTbnKxKKRag6nt9Syw2D4p6