Kanokporn Rithidech, PhD, Professor of Research Pathology

Kanokporn Noy Rithidech, PhD
Professor of Research Pathology
Basic Sciences Tower, Level 9
Stony Brook Medicine
Stony Brook, NY 11794-8691

Tel: (631) 444-3446
Fax: (631) 444-3424 
E-mail: Kanokporn.Rithidech@stonybrookmedicine.edu

Research Summary:
One of my longstanding interests is the identification of mechanisms involving radiation (both found on earth and in space) induced myeloid leukemia (rML) using the CBA/Ca mouse model. It is clear that radiation can induce ML in mice and human beings. However, little is known of the molecular mechanism(s) by which radiation induces the leukemogenic phenotype. One of my current research projects involves the investigation of the patterns of radiation-induced genetic and epigenetic damage in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells that trigger the induction of genomic instability (a key event in cancer development). The whole genome multi-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH) and DNA methylation profiles are being used to characterize the early and late response following in vivo exposure to ionizing radiation, and to determine whether differences in response patterns are associated with the subsequent expression of genomic instability or rML. The results from this project will have a significant impact on the future development of a novel mechanism-based therapeutic strategy to prevent or mitigate the acute or long-term effects of radiation on cells at risk for rML. In addition to the effects of high doses of radiation, I am also investigating the protective effects of low-dose radiation (doses <100 mSv).

Further, one of the major efforts in my laboratory has been the identification of in vivo molecular biomarkers of response to and effects of radiation that could be potentially valuable for dose assessment and predicting early and late health risks. This research area is highly relevant to public health due to an increased utilization of radiation in daily life and concern about the possibility of radiological terrorism and/or a nuclear accident. The results will have a major impact on the discovery and development of novel predictive biodosimetry for exposure to radiation that, in turn, will lead to accurate triage, outcome prediction, treatment, and effective medical countermeasure strategies in the event of radiological terrorism and/or a nuclear accident. 

Another focus of my research interest is the application of cutting-edge proteomic technologies for the discovery of blood biomarkers in human diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). A simple blood test that provides a rapid and reliable diagnosis for MS, if identified, would be a major advance in the management of this disease.

Peer Reviewed Publications: