Wendell H. McKenzie

Alumni Distinguished Professor of Genetics
Undergraduate Coordinator of the Genetics Department

Cytogenetics and genetic toxicology

Our research program is directed toward assessing mutation induction and repair at the chromosome level of organization. Sister chromatid exchange, cell cycle kinetic, and chromosome aberration analyses are used as endpoints to evaluate induced cytogenetic insults. With critical adjustment of experimental protocol, it has been possible to address questions of both mutation induction and repair.

Most studies to date have utilized in vitro exposures of human lymphocytes to potentially genetically-damaging agents, e.g., drugs used in cancer chemotherapy, pesticides, vitamin C, or gamma radiation. In certain cases, exposures have been in vivo, e.g., passive smoking in children, or to the air pollutant ozone in adults. The in vivo studies have been collaborative efforts with research groups at UNC-Chapel Hill or Research Triangle Park.

Relevant Publications:

McKenzie, W.H. 1993. The Human Genome Project. Guest Editor. National Forum. The Phi Kappa Phi Journal. Spring Issue, Vol. 73, No. 2, pp. 1-48.

McKenzie, W.H. 1993. Genetic Disease: An Overview. Comments on Toxicology. Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 1-4.

McKenzie, W.H. 1993. Genetic Disease. Guest Editor. Comments on Toxicology. Vol. 5, No. 1.

Tulis, D. A., Smollinger, J. K., and McKenzie, W. H. 1989. Smoke exposure, age, sex, race and potentiation as variables affecting sister chromatid exchange induction in humans. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis Supplement 14, 15:203-204. 

Best, R. G. and W. H. McKenzie. 1988. Sister chromatid exchange induction near the baseline with low doses of the alkylating agent CCNU. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis 12:209-217. [Abstract]

Best, R. G. and W. H. McKenzie. 1988. Variable sister chromatid exchange response in human lymphocytes exposed in vitro to gossypol acetic acid. Mutation Research 206:227-233. [Abstract]

Best, R. G. and W. H. McKenzie. 1988. Sister chromatid exchange in human lymphocytes exposed to ascorbic acid and the cancer chemotherapeutic agent 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea. teratogenesis, Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis 8:339-346. [Abstract]

For more information contact:

Dr. Wendell McKenzie
Department of Genetics
N.C. State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7614
Tel: (919) 515-5722
E-mail: wendell_mckenzie@ncsu.edu

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