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
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 CiteAn 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 CiteTranscriptomic 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 CiteRecent Grants
Duke University Program in Environmental Health
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2029Fish 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 - 2026Fish 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 - 2026View All Grants
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.