Joshua Robinson, PhD

During human pregnancy, the embryo/fetus is exposed to thousands of unique environmental chemicals with unknown consequences. My research aims to determine the potential effects of these compounds and to identify the mechanistic links between environmental exposures in utero and adverse developmental outcomes (e.g., neurodevelopmental disorders, neural tube defects, placental diseases). To study these relationships, we employ three model systems: human embryonic stem cells, rodent whole embryo culture, and primary human trophoblasts. We combine classical molecular, genomic, morphological/imaging, and in silico based approaches to conduct in-depth chemical assessments and to determine modes of action. Our current investigations are focused on evaluating the effects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)—commonly used flame retardants—and their alternatives on human pregnancy (in vitro). Additional research projects in the lab include: 1) establishing alternative model systems for developmental toxicology; 2) identifying human biomarkers of response; 3) developing strategies to integrate diverse toxicogenomic data; and 4) characterizing age-dependent differences in human xenobiotic metabolism. We anticipate that this research—which coalesces elements of developmental toxicology, genomics, and risk assessment—will lead to the discovery of gene-environment interactions underlying toxicity, and future prevention of specific chemical exposures that occur during human pregnancy.