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Alison Elder, Ph.D.

Contact Information

Phone Numbers

Office: (585) 275-2324

Fax: (585) 256-2631

Research Labs

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Locations

University of Rochester Medical Center
School of Medicine and Dentistry
601 Elmwood Ave, Box EHSC
Rochester, NY 14642

Faculty Appointments

Biography

Research

Toxicology of Inhaled Ultrafine Particles and Engineered Nanomaterials

Our laboratory has focused for several years on the toxicology of inhaled ultrafine particles (UFPs), the most numerous size fraction of particulate air pollution. Interests include the impacts of age, gaseous co-pollutant exposure, and health status on the response(s) to inhaled UFPs. We are also interested in determining the basis for potential adverse effects of inhaled particles in the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

This research focus has naturally led to our work with engineered nanomaterials. The research commonalities between UFP and nanomaterials are numerous, including the kinetics of tissue distribution following exposure, mechanisms of response related to oxidative stress, particle-protein interactions, and the physicochemical characteristics of the particles that determine response. Our research aims are met by using a combination of animal and cell culture models as well as detailed particle characterization.

In addition to looking for nanosized particles in tissues via chemical and microscopic means, responses are determined by measuring markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in the lung lining fluid, lung tissue, blood, circulating inflammatory cells, and extrapulmonary tissues (e.g. heart, liver, spleen, kidney, brain regions). We also have specific projects focused on cardiovascular stability and neurodegeneration following exposures to UFPs and nanomaterials.

Credentials

Education

1992
BS | Chatham College
Chemistry

1997
PhD | Univ of Cal Irvine
Environmental Toxicology

Post-doctoral Training & Residency

1997 - 2000
Post-doctoral Fellow, Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester

Awards

2009
Young Investigator Award, Inhalation and Respiratory Specialty Section, Society of Toxicology

2007
Cornerstone Alumna Award in Environmental Medicine, Chatham University

1995 - 1996
Graduate Student Fellowship, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

1992
College Chemistry Award, Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh

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Publications

Journal Articles

10/15/2020
Smyth T, Veazey J, Eliseeva S, Chalupa D, Elder A, Georas SN. "Diesel exhaust particle exposure reduces expression of the epithelial tight junction protein Tricellulin." Particle and fibre toxicology.. 2020 Oct 15; 17(1):52. Epub 2020 Oct 15.

1/16/2020
Keller JG, Graham UM, Koltermann-Jülly J, Gelein R, Ma-Hock L, Landsiedel R, Wiemann M, Oberdörster G, Elder A, Wohlleben W. "Predicting dissolution and transformation of inhaled nanoparticles in the lung using abiotic flow cells: The case of barium sulfate." Scientific reports.. 2020 Jan 16; 10(1):458. Epub 2020 Jan 16.

11/26/2019
Jew K, Herr D, Wong C, Kennell A, Morris-Schaffer K, Oberdörster G, O'Banion MK, Cory-Slechta DA, Elder A. "Selective memory and behavioral alterations after ambient ultrafine particulate matter exposure in aged 3xTgAD Alzheimer's disease mice." Particle and fibre toxicology.. 2019 Nov 26; 16(1):45. Epub 2019 Nov 26.

Books & Chapters

2010
Chapter Title: Particles and the autonomic nervous system
Book Title: Particles and Cardiovascular Disease Mechanisms
Author List: Upadhyay S, Elder A, Cascio WE, Schulz H
Edited By: F.R. Cassee, N.L. Mills, D.E. Newby
Published By: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2010 in Hoboken, NJ

2009
Chapter Title: Human Health Risks of Engineered Nanomaterials
Book Title: Nanotechnology: Risks and Benefits
Author List: Elder A, Lynch I, Grieger K, Chan-Remillard S, Gatti A, Gnewuch H, Kenawy E, Korenstein R, Kuhlbusch T, Linker F, Matias S, Monteiro-Riviere N, Pinto V, Rudnitsky R, Savoleinen K, Shvedova A
Edited By: Linkov I, Steevens J
Published By: Springer 2009 in Dordrecht

2009
Chapter Title: Disposition of Nanoparticles as a Function of their Interactions with Biomolecules
Book Title: Nanotechnology: Risks and Benefits
Author List: Lynch I, Elder A
Edited By: Linkov I, Steevens J
Published By: Springer 2009 in Dordrecht

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