The Environmental Toxicology of Human Disease Training Program Continues to Secure the Largest T32 Grant at the University of Arizona

For the past 41 years, the University of Arizona’s Environmental Toxicology of Human Disease training program has been a cornerstone of training efforts. At the forefront of research, this program equips future scientists with the tools and knowledge to explore the complex interactions between genetics and environmental stressors. The intersection between genetic factors and environmental exposures has become the focal point in understanding human susceptibility to complex diseases such as asthma, cancer, and diabetes. Historically, researchers believed that variations in the human genome were responsible for most diseases, but now it is widely recognized that the relationship between our genes and the environment we interact with daily plays a far greater role.

The importance of this research cannot be overstated—our ability to tackle complex human diseases lies in understanding how these environmental factors work in tandem with our genetic makeup to influence disease susceptibility. Arizona’s training program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to identifying these connections. By focusing on environmental toxicology, the program advances the understanding of how external exposures, such as pollution or chemicals, contribute to diseases that burden society. 

This year the program celebrates a renewal for years 41-45 of the training grant. As principal investigator, Nathan Cherrington, PhD, associate dean of research at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, has seen firsthand how “the grant allows us to enhance the training of our predoc and postdoc students in multiple ways. The field trip that we take to visit communities with environmental concerns shows the issues of consideration that are outside the life experience of the trainees and opens their eyes to the diversity of the communities we serve. Developing their leadership skills with organized activities and providing timely career advancement advice makes this a real opportunity for our graduates to make an impact in the world. And the position discussions help students establish their ideas and argue their opinions in a civil and respectful forum.”

Over its 45-year history, Arizona’s toxicology training has evolved in line with scientific advancements. Initially rooted in a “systems-based toxicology” curriculum, the program has continuously updated its coursework and research focus to address the rapidly changing needs of the scientific and medical communities. The program’s emphasis has shifted from merely describing toxic responses to identifying the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern stress responses, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to stay at the forefront of toxicology research. These continual updates ensure trainees obtain the most relevant and advanced skills to excel in their careers. 

Lisa Tran, graduate assistant and fifth-year PhD candidate, was financially supported during her graduate training as she explored the toxicity of different environmental chemicals in animal models of lung disease. Her current research focuses on the role of macrophage CYP19A1 in mouse models of lung disease. 

The success of the toxicology training program is evidenced by its graduates. Since its inception, over 150 have then gone on to make significant contributions to academia, industry, and government. Many have become leaders in their fields, making vital discoveries about how environmental exposures impact human health. These scientists continue to influence the future of translational research, applying state-of-the-art methods to investigate the mechanisms behind disease development. Their achievements underscore the importance of this program in training the next generation of environmental health science researchers.

In addition to increasing the number of scientific researchers, the training grant has provided the foundation for several programs and centers that are still in operation today: the Center for Toxicology (1987); the Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center (SWEHSC, 1994); the Superfund Research Program (SRP, 1989); the Center for Indigenous Environmental Health Research (CIEHR, 2015); the Environmental Health Sciences-Transformative Research Undergraduate Experience (EHS-TRUE, 2015); the Environmental Health Sciences-Research for Indigenous Scholar Engagement (EHS-RISE, 2023); and the EPA Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (2023).

The program’s connection with numerous centers of excellence and interdisciplinary collaborations further enriches the learning experience. With faculty mentors drawn from nine departments and four colleges, students are exposed to an array of expertise. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the many factors that influence human health, from genetic predispositions to the complex environmental exposures encountered throughout life. By harnessing this wide-ranging expertise, trainees are uniquely positioned to address the full spectrum of challenges posed by environmental health.

The Coit College of Pharmacy contributes significantly to the success of the training program as its faculty retains 13 of the 29 primary appointments: Nathan Cherrington, PhD, associate dean for research and director of the Center for Toxicology; Georg Wondrak, PhD, director of graduate studies; Rick Schnellmann, PhD, dean and 1984 training grant graduate; Catherine Smith, PhD, director of the pharmacology and toxicology graduate program and director of the Arizona Biological and Biomedical Sciences (ABBS) program; and Xinxin Ding, PhD, department head of pharmacology and toxicology.

Arizona’s Training Program in Environmental Toxicology of Human Disease is setting the stage for the next round of breakthroughs in environmental health. By fostering a deep understanding of the interplay between genetics and the environment, Arizona is preparing scientists to confront the complexities of human diseases in innovative ways. As environmental factors become increasingly significant in determining health outcomes, the work of these future researchers will be crucial in alleviating the burden of complex diseases on society.