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Richard T. Di Giulio

Research Professor of Environmental Toxicology
Environmental Natural Science
Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708-0328
A346B Lev Sci Res Ctr, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


Dr. Di Giulio's research is concerned with basic studies of mechanisms of contaminant metabolism, adaptation and toxicity, and with the development of mechanistically-based indices of exposure and toxicity that can be employed in biomonitoring. The long term goals of this research are to bridge the gap between mechanistic toxicological research and the development of useful tools for environmental assessment, and to elucidate linkages between human and ecosystem health. The bulk of Dr. Di Giulio's work employs a comparative approach with aquatic animals, particularly fishes, as models. Of particular concern are mechanisms of oxidative metabolism of aromatic hydrocarbons, mechanisms of free radical production and antioxidant defense, and mechanisms of chemical carcinogenesis, developmental perturbations and adaptations to contaminated environments by fishes.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Research Professor of Environmental Toxicology · 2024 - Present Environmental Natural Science, Nicholas School of the Environment

In the News


Published March 22, 2022
Direct Impact: NIH Funding and the Duke Superfund Research Center
Published November 3, 2017
From Clean Up To Cutting Edge Research
Published July 11, 2017
Superfund Center Wins Five-Year Renewal

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Recent Publications


Polystyrene nanoplastics impact the bioenergetics of developing zebrafish and limit molecular and physiological adaptive responses to acute temperature stress.

Journal Article The Science of the total environment · January 2025 Plastic pollution is a growing environmental concern due to its ubiquitous impact on aquatic ecosystems. Nanoplastics can be generated from the breakdown of plastic waste and interact with organisms at the cellular level, potentially disrupting cellular ph ... Full text Cite

An epigenetic memory at the CYP1A gene in cancer-resistant, pollution-adapted killifish.

Journal Article Scientific reports · January 2025 Human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) is a significant public health problem that will worsen with a warming climate and increased large-scale wildfires. Here, we characterize an epigenetic memory at the cytochrome P450 1 A (CYP1A) gene ... Full text Cite

Transcriptomic and Methylomic Analyses Show Significant Shifts in Biosynthetic Processes and Reduced Intrapopulation Gene Expression Variance in PAH-Adapted Atlantic Killifish.

Journal Article Environmental science & technology · November 2024 Environmental contaminants pose a significant selection pressure across taxa, potentiating evolved resistance to chemicals. However, rapid evolution may alter molecular and physiological homeostasis leading to trade-offs. To elucidate molecular underpinnin ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Duke University Program in Environmental Health

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2029

Fish Toxicology of Environmental Exposure to per- and polyfluorinated substances in the Cape Fear River

ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by NC Department of Environmental Quality · 2024 - 2026

Fish Toxicology of Environmental Exposure to per- and polyfluorinated substances in the Cape Fear River

ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by NC Department of Environmental Quality · 2024 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


Virginia Polytech Institute and State University · 1982 Ph.D.
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge · 1978 M.S.
University of Texas, Austin · 1972 B.A.

External Links


Di Giulio Lab