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Animal Reproductive Biology Group

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Animal Reproductive Biology Group
158 Animal Sciences Research Ctr.
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: (573) 882-9897
Fax: (573) 882-6827
 
ARBG Related Information

Mark Hannink

Professor
Biochemistry

Education

  • Ph.D., University of California
  • Postdoc, University of Wisconsin

Research Focus

  • Signal transduction
  • Embryotoxic pollutants
  • Molecular biology

Research Description

Hannink's laboratory has two major research interests.

One research project involves the NF-kB/Rel transcription factor family and their inhibitory IkB proteins. Hannink is interested in understanding the involvement of NF-kB/Rel transcription factors in cell growth and development and in the mechanism of IkB-mediated control of the NF-kB/Rel transcription factors. The NF-kB/Rel transcription factor family is one of the most interesting and intensively studied eukaryote transcription factors. They are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammatory and immune responses and the cellular response to DNA damage and stress.

A second research project in Hannink's laboratory involves embryotoxic pollutants such as dioxin. Dioxin and other related compounds are both acutely toxic to vertebrate embryos at high doses and cause profound developmental defects at low doses. The embryotoxic and teratogenic properties of dioxin are mediated by an intracellular receptor, the Aromatic hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR). Hannink's laboratory is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of AhR activation by dioxin-like compounds, and how this inappropriate activation of the AhR contributes to the toxic effects seen in vertebrates that are exposed to dioxin.

Recent Publications

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