Mechanistic Toxicology Branch | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Source: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/mtb
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:15
Mechanistic Toxicology Branch | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
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Much of the work carried out by DTT is in support of the National Toxicology Program (NTP), an interagency partnership of the Food and Drug Administration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and NIEHS.
Visit the NTP Website
The Mechanistic Toxicology Branch (MTB) aims to provide laboratory research support to the NIEHS
Division of Translational Toxicology
(DTT) and to conduct mechanistic research in toxicology. DTT is a team-based scientific organization, and its mission is to improve public health through development of data and knowledge that are translatable, predictive, and timely.
Branch scientists use their laboratory research capabilities to identify human health hazards from environmental and chemical exposures and further mechanistic understanding of environmental toxicity contributing to human disease. Such efforts, which are project-driven in collaboration with members of DTT Program Management Teams, help to advance the program mission.
MTB staff are responsible for the following functions:
Collaborate with internal and external researchers and environmental stakeholders for program-responsive outcomes to DTT.
Conduct bioanalytical disposition and metabolite analysis of environmental and test chemicals in experimental systems by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
Conduct high-content screening of toxicants in 96 and 384-well format using Opera Phenix and ImageXpress Micro confocal imaging systems.
Develop novel
in vitro
systems with a variety of cell types, including hepatocytes, cardiomyocytes, embryonic and iPS cells, and renal, neural, and reproductive cells, leading to new, scalable bioassays for DTT’s testing program.
Perform high throughput screening of test chemicals using
in vitro
human and animal cell models by concentration-response with automated liquid handling systems and plate readers in 96 and 384-well formats.
Perform targeted and untargeted toxico-metabolomic analysis by LC-MS from
in vitro
or
in vivo
biofluids or cell and tissue extracts.
Produce and deliver high-quality histochemical, biochemical, and molecular laboratory data in a timely manner.
Provide laboratory experts in a range of
in vitro
bioassays and
in vivo
testing methods to participate in study design for test article exposures in DTT hazard assessment.
Provide on-site, program-responsive, laboratory support to DTT Program Management Teams for screening, prioritization, and mechanistic understanding of chemical effects and environmental factors related to human exposure and health.
MTB scientists contribute to
NTP report and monograph series
and publish findings in the NIEHS report series and peer-reviewed scientific literature.
Staff publications can be viewed on the webpage
.
Acting Chief
Darlene Dixon, D.V.M., Ph.D., D.A.C.V.P.
Acting Chief, Mechanistic Toxicology Branch
Tel 984-287-3848
[email protected]
Related Links
Translational Toxicology Division
Back
to Top
Last Reviewed: February 12, 2026
Skip Navigation
Mechanistic Toxicology Branch
Close the left navigation
Add
Much of the work carried out by DTT is in support of the National Toxicology Program (NTP), an interagency partnership of the Food and Drug Administration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and NIEHS.
Visit the NTP Website
The Mechanistic Toxicology Branch (MTB) aims to provide laboratory research support to the NIEHS
Division of Translational Toxicology
(DTT) and to conduct mechanistic research in toxicology. DTT is a team-based scientific organization, and its mission is to improve public health through development of data and knowledge that are translatable, predictive, and timely.
Branch scientists use their laboratory research capabilities to identify human health hazards from environmental and chemical exposures and further mechanistic understanding of environmental toxicity contributing to human disease. Such efforts, which are project-driven in collaboration with members of DTT Program Management Teams, help to advance the program mission.
MTB staff are responsible for the following functions:
Collaborate with internal and external researchers and environmental stakeholders for program-responsive outcomes to DTT.
Conduct bioanalytical disposition and metabolite analysis of environmental and test chemicals in experimental systems by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
Conduct high-content screening of toxicants in 96 and 384-well format using Opera Phenix and ImageXpress Micro confocal imaging systems.
Develop novel
in vitro
systems with a variety of cell types, including hepatocytes, cardiomyocytes, embryonic and iPS cells, and renal, neural, and reproductive cells, leading to new, scalable bioassays for DTT’s testing program.
Perform high throughput screening of test chemicals using
in vitro
human and animal cell models by concentration-response with automated liquid handling systems and plate readers in 96 and 384-well formats.
Perform targeted and untargeted toxico-metabolomic analysis by LC-MS from
in vitro
or
in vivo
biofluids or cell and tissue extracts.
Produce and deliver high-quality histochemical, biochemical, and molecular laboratory data in a timely manner.
Provide laboratory experts in a range of
in vitro
bioassays and
in vivo
testing methods to participate in study design for test article exposures in DTT hazard assessment.
Provide on-site, program-responsive, laboratory support to DTT Program Management Teams for screening, prioritization, and mechanistic understanding of chemical effects and environmental factors related to human exposure and health.
MTB scientists contribute to
NTP report and monograph series
and publish findings in the NIEHS report series and peer-reviewed scientific literature.
Staff publications can be viewed on the webpage
.
Acting Chief
Darlene Dixon, D.V.M., Ph.D., D.A.C.V.P.
Acting Chief, Mechanistic Toxicology Branch
Tel 984-287-3848
[email protected]
Related Links
Translational Toxicology Division
Back
to Top
Last Reviewed: February 12, 2026