Description of the ARCH Program

The ARCH program examines the consequences of environmental benzo(a)pyrene [Ba(a)P] exposure during development and as adults on cognition and cancer susceptibility.

The program is a partnership between Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University.

The intent is to understand the molecular bases for  environmental toxin-induced neurological dysfunction or cancer susceptibility and progression,  and to test hypotheses regarding effective therapeutic or other interventions.

This project has three main components:

• The administrative and planning core is responsible for managing and implementing the entire project. The administrative core receives guidance from internal and external advisory committees.
• The research program development core consist of three pilot projects and one research project conducted by Meharry Medical College Investigators.
• A well-integrated environmental toxicology core facility core  supports the ARCH investigators.

Over the tenure of the proposed project, these three components will develop into a cohesive program of environmental health science research.