Kristine L. Witt, M.s.
Toxicology
Institut Pasteur de Bangui
Mauritius
Biography
The Genetic Toxicology Group, headed by Kristine Witt, M.S., is responsible for testing chemicals of interest to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) for ability to induce measurable changes in DNA and chromosomes that may result in human diseases (e.g., cancer) or increase the risk of birth defects, as part of the overall toxicological assessment of a chemical. Exposure conditions that are investigated may be acute, subacute, or long term. A variety of test systems are employed, including bacteria, cultured mammalian and human cells, and laboratory rodents. Collaborations with the NIEHS Clinical Research Unit provide an opportunity for translational studies to assess genetic effects in human populations.
Research Interest
Bacterial mutagenicity testing (Ames assay) in vitro and in vivo Micronucleus (MN) testing in vitro and in vivo Comet assay Combined in vivo MN/Comet assay Pig-a mutation assay in vivo in rat and mouse erythrocytes
Publications
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Black Cohosh Clinical Study – We are investigating the genotoxic, hematological, and metabolomic effects of black cohosh herbal products in women. This study is designed to determine if the effects seen in NTP animal studies are also observed in humans (Mercado-Feliciano et al., 2012; Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 263:138-147).
