Regina M. Santella

Dr. Regina Santella’s research has involved the use of biomarkers for the detection of human exposure to environmental and occupational carcinogens in molecular epidemiology studies to identify causative factors, susceptible populations, and preventive interventions. Her work has allowed the determination of exposure to carcinogens by the measurement of their binding to DNA with highly specific and sensitive immunoassays using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that her laboratory has developed. These studies have demonstrated higher levels of DNA damage in those with environmental or occupational exposures and in subjects with breast, lung, and liver cancer compared to controls. Studies on the role of genetic susceptibility in cancer risk involved both genotyping and phenotyping methods. DNA repair capacity was found to be a major risk factor for breast cancer development. Other studies provided information on the role of environmental/lifestyle factors on epigenetic changes in DNA methylation and microRNA expression, how they impact cancer risk as well as whether epigenetic changes can be used for early diagnosis of cancer. The development of assays using blood or urine that can identify those at high risk for the development of cancer should lead to better surveillance as well as potential chemoprevention. The markers developed to date include carcinogen-DNA adducts, microRNAs and DNA methylation alterations in white blood cells.