Barbara Hales

Birth defects occur in 2-4% of the children in North America, yet the causes of most of these malformations remain unknown. The overall goal of our research is to elucidate the mechanisms(s) underlying the developmental toxicity of environmental chemicals and drugs. We use a combination of in vivo, in vitro, and molecular approaches to elucidate the effects of model teratogens on signaling pathways that play important roles in normal development.  In collaboration with Bernard Robaire, we are exploring the consequences of paternal exposure to anticancer agents on male germ cell integrity and on epigenetic programming in early embryos. Finally, we are working with teams of researchers to evaluate the impact of exposure to “green” replacement plasticizers on the developing and adult testis and to determine the effects of chronic exposure to the environmentally relevant mixture of brominated flame retardants found in North American house dust on reproduction and development.