Erratico, Claudio
Research
BDE-99: oxidative metabolism and toxicity of its metabolites
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are man-made chemical compounds which retard the development of fire. Therefore, PBDEs help save human lives. PBDEs have been added to many everyday use products such as clothes, furniture, electronics, and car parts for several decades now. PBDEs have been found to bioaccumulate in human and wildlife species, with levels steadily increasing at least during the last two decades.
Among the many factors that determine the bioaccumulation of pollutants, metabolism is a key one. In particular, cytochrome P450 has a main role in starting the oxidative metabolism of many compounds. However, P450-mediated metabolism of PBDEs has not received much attention yet.
My project deals with the in vitro investigation of P450-mediated metabolism of BDE-99, a major PBDE. The method I developed to measure the formation of BDE-99 metabolites in vitro will be applied to rats (as animal models), humans, and wildlife species comprising a Pacific aquatic food chain (i.e. salmon, seals, killer whales, and polar bears). Knowledge regarding BDE-99 metabolism will provide insight into (i) which metabolites and in what amounts humans and wildlife species are exposed to; and (ii) which species are likely to be exposed to the highest metabolite-mediated toxicological risk. Toxicity of the metabolites will be investigated in the second part of my project.
I hope my research will shed some light on the importance of metabolism as a determinant of PBDEs bioaccumulation in humans and in wildlife; and also on the toxicity of the metabolites formed, especially compared to PBDEs toxicity. Being aware of the real toxicological profiles of chemicals which are part of our every-day life is a very important factor to protect human health and preserve wildlife.
I obtained my Master's degree in Italy, but I wanted to improve my scientific knowledge, help advance science, and face a wide range of professional opportunities in the near future.
I decided to look for Ph.D. positions in Canada (and especially in Vancouver) because here scientific research is considered a common interest and an investment both for the public health of people today as well as for the environment of tomorrow.
Moreover, British Columbia has unlimited potential for great outdoor activities that I really love and for many others that I still have to explore. Ultimately, Canada is a great, multicultural, and open-minded country where personal enrichment is just an everyday experience.
First of all, what I feel to tell them all is to have visions, dreams, and plans to realize. For what concerns Grad School, I can sincerely say that UBC has a lot to offer in many fields and that the person who has good knowledge, motivation, and willingness to do well is given credit and is properly supported to express all his/her potential. Baronies and pulling the strings are extremely limited here, if any! Such an environment is still sadly hard to find in Italian universities, unfortunately. Be motivated enough to make the shift to UBC Grad School; it is definitely worth it!
So far I have not any memorable experience to tell (apart from some great salmon catches!). However exploring the great British Columbia outdoor offers always great experiences, unforgettable views, and superb feelings. Get out there and explore!
Fishing, hiking, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, travelling
I am very fond of scientific research and in particular of environmental toxicology. After completing my Ph.D. at UBC, I hope to obtain postdoctoral position(s) towards a research career in the field of environmental toxicology in a university or research centre, hopefully in Canada.
