Hollie Swanson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Purdue University, 1991
Office: MN- Chandler Medical Center (0298)
Lab: MS-374; (859) 323-1170 or (895) 323-2881
Tel: (859) 323-1463
Dr. Swanson's lab
Current Projects
Our laboratory is focused on study of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway and its role in altering cell fate. The AHR is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that binds toxic compounds such as dioxins. These compounds are pervasive environmental contaminants that are formed during combustion reactions and certain manufacturing processes. While the endogenous ligand for the AHR is not known, the best known AHR agonist is dioxin. One of the long term goals of our research program is determining the mechanisms by which dioxin, via activation of the AHR, results in tumor promotion. Known genes that are regulated by the AHR include cytochrome P4501A1, however, we are also identifying novel, AHR regulated genes. To understand what genes the AHR regulates under normal conditions and how these genes are altered during dioxin-induced tumor promotion we are using cultured human keratinocytes and keratinocytes obtained from mice that lack the AHR. We have recently discovered that dioxin, via the AHR, downregulates major regulators of the senescence pathway, p53 and p16INK4a, block senescence and extends the mortality of these cells. A second project focuses on determing the role of the AHR in protecting the cell from apoptosis.
Our laboratory uses a number of molecular techniques such as gel shift assays, transient transfections, RNase protection assays, real time RT-PCR, DNA microarray analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to address these research questions.
Dr. Swanson's online profile (COS) (external link)
Selected Publications
Ray, S and Swanson, H.I.
Dioxin-induced immortalization of normal human keratinocytes and silencing of p53 and p16INK4a.
J. Biol. Chem (In Press).
Ray SS, Swanson, HI (2003)
Alteration of keratinocyte differentiation and senescence by the tumor promoter dioxin.
Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 192:131-45.
Swanson HI, Whitelaw ML, Petrulis JR, Perdew GH. (2002)
Use of [125I]4'-iodoflavone as a tool to characterize ligand-dependent differences in Ah receptor behavior.
J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 16:298-310.
Swanson HI (2002)
DNA Binding and Protein Interactions of the AHR/ARNT Heterodimer that Facilitate Gene Activation.
Chem. Biol. Interact 141:63-76
Heid SE, Walker MK and Swanson HI. (2001)
Correlation of cardiotoxicity mediated by halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons to aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation.
Toxicological Sci. 61:187-196
Walker, M.K., Heid, S.E., Smith, S.M. and Swanson, H.I.
Molecular characterization and developmental expression of the chicken aryl hydrocarbon receptor.
Comp. Biochem and Physiol., Part C, 126, 305-319 (2000).
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