Steven R. Tannenbaum, PhD

Research:

For many years, the Tannenbaum lab has been interested in the formation, distribution, and metabolism of nitrate, nitrite, and N-nitroso compounds. This work led to their discovery of the endogenous synthesis of nitrogen oxides and eventually the discovery of nitric oxide as a biological molecule. At present the laboratory is conducting research on the pathophysiological consequences of nitric oxide and its oxidation products. This encompasses cell-mediated nitrosation, free-radical reactions, and oxidation. Of particular interest is the nature of chemical damage to DNA and its genotoxic consequences. From a health point of view this is important for the inflammatory state and for various infections and diseases that increase the risk of cancer. The Tannenbaum group is also interested in the inhibition of these reactions by antioxidants and other substances that offer protection from oxidative stress.

Another great interest of the Tannenbaum lab is tissue engineering for drug development and chemical toxicity. Cells placed in culture generally lose at least some key differentiated physiological functions that they normally exhibit as part of organized tissues in the body. Thus, while cultured cells may be adequate for some applications in drug metabolism and detection of toxins, they are certain to fail for others. The Tannenbaum Lab has developed an in vitro organized tissue-based sensor for detection of unknown toxins and rapid screening of drug metabolism. The technology combines a unique chip-based micro tissue arrangement with mass spectrometric and optical sensors to detect changes in tissue behavior and measure primary and secondary biochemical transformations of drugs and toxins.

Biography:

Originally from New York, Professor Tannenbaum began his scientific education at MIT earning a Bachelor of Science in Food Technology. Subsequently, Tannenbaum earned a PhD in Food Science and Technology with a Minor in Chemistry also from MIT. He then joined the MIT faculty in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science which evolved into the Department of Biological Engineering.