John T. Pinto, Ph.D.
Education
- B.S., Chemistry, St. John Fisher College
- Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
- Fellowship, Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University
Research
Dr. Pinto's laboratory focuses on mechanisms by which diet-derived factors prevent primary and secondary prostrate and colon cancer development. Their studies show that sulfur- and selenium-containing amino acids can be converted to direct-acting metabolites whose intracellular levels depend on tissue expression of specific transaminase enzymes.
Research interests include identifying chemopreventive strategies for diminishing primary and secondary cancer risks. Investigations examine effects of organosulfur, organoselenium and polyphenolic compounds on redox responsive metabolic pathways within human prostate, breast, and colon cancer cells. Epigenetic mechanisms have been identified by which these diet-derived constituents exert control over cell growth and proliferation through sulfhydryl-disulfide regulation of signal proteins that affect transcription factors of gene expression and inhibit histone deacetylation. Histone deacetylase inhibitors are highly sought after agents that control diseases where inappropriate gene activation is a causal feature, namely viral replications and in cancer prevention and control.
