Principal Investigator Steven Tannenbaum
Co-investigator John Wishnok
The laboratory has been interested for many years in the formation, distribution, and metabolism of nitrate, nitrite, and N-nitroso compounds. This work led to our discovery of the endogenous synthesis of nitrogen oxides and eventually the discovery of nitric oxide as a biological molecule. At present our laboratory is conducting research on the pathophysiological consequences of nitric oxide and its oxidation products. This encompasses cell-mediated nitrosation, free-radical reactions, and oxidation. We are particularly interested in the nature of chemical damage to DNA and its genotoxic consequences. From a health point of view this is important for the inflammatory state and for various infections and diseases that increase the risk of cancer. We are also interested in the inhibition of these reactions by antioxidants and other substances that offer protection from oxidative stress.