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Much of the work carried out by DTT is in support of the National Toxicology Program (NTP), an interagency partnership of the Food and Drug Administration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and NIEHS.

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General Toxicology and Cancer Group

June Dunnick, Ph.D.
June Dunnick, Ph.D.
Project Manager - Toxicologist
Tel 984-287-3124
Fax 919-541-4255
[email protected]
P.O. Box 12233
Mail Drop K2-02
Durham, NC 27709

June K. Dunnick, Ph.D., is a toxicologist in the Toxicology Branch, which promotes, designs and administers research programs to understand how environmental exposures affect the public’s health. Research is focused on identifying and evaluating the beneficial and harmful effects of environmental chemicals, drugs, metals and other chemicals of concern so that strategies can be developed to prevent exposures to harmful agents or to develop disease prevention strategies particularly for cancer, reproductive disease, and infectious diseases. This involves the design, analysis, and interpretation of experimental studies to identify biological effects, and extrapolation of results to man through the use metabolism/pharmacokinetic studies and mechanistic studies. Her responsibilities include serving as senior scientist for toxicologic and carcinogenesis studies and identifying new initiatives for the development of a better understanding of environmental disease, through the integration, extrapolation and analysis of data from a broad range of experimental studies. She also serves as a focus, representative and spokesperson for the institute when reporting the findings from toxicology and carcinogenesis research studies.

Dr. Dunnick received a B.S. from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York , a Ph.D. from Cornell University Medical College, New York, New York, and a MBA from Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC, Chapel Hill, NC. She completed postdoctoral work in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Rochester Medical School, Rochester, New York. Dr. Dunnick is a Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology.

Selected Publications

  1. Shockley KR, Cora MC, Malarkey DE, Jackson-Humbles D, Vallant M, Collins BJ, Mutlu E, Robinson VG, Waidyanatha S, Zmarowski A, Machesky N, Richey J, Harbo S, Cheng E, Patton K, Sparrow B, Dunnick JK. 2020. Comparative toxicity and liver transcriptomics of legacy and emerging brominated flame retardants following 5-day exposure in the rat. Toxicol Lett 332:222-234. [Abstract Shockley KR, Cora MC, Malarkey DE, Jackson-Humbles D, Vallant M, Collins BJ, Mutlu E, Robinson VG, Waidyanatha S, Zmarowski A, Machesky N, Richey J, Harbo S, Cheng E, Patton K, Sparrow B, Dunnick JK. 2020. Comparative toxicity and liver transcriptomics of legacy and emerging brominated flame retardants following 5-day exposure in the rat. Toxicol Lett 332:222-234.] 
  2. Harvey JB, Osborne TS, Hong HH, Bhusari S, Ton TV, Pandiri AR, Masinde T, Dunnick J, Peddada S, Elmore S, Hoenerhoff MJ. 2020. Uterine carcinomas in tetrabromobisphenol a-exposed wistar han rats harbor increased tp53 mutations and mimic high-grade type I endometrial carcinomas in women. Toxicol Pathol 43(8):1103-1113. [Abstract Harvey JB, Osborne TS, Hong HH, Bhusari S, Ton TV, Pandiri AR, Masinde T, Dunnick J, Peddada S, Elmore S, Hoenerhoff MJ. 2020. Uterine carcinomas in tetrabromobisphenol a-exposed wistar han rats harbor increased tp53 mutations and mimic high-grade type I endometrial carcinomas in women. Toxicol Pathol 43(8):1103-1113.]
  3. Dunnick JK, Pandiri A, Merrick BA, Kissling G, Funny H, Multi E, Waidyanatha S, Sills R, Hong HL, Ton TV, Maynor T, Recio L, Phillips SL, Devote MJ, Brix A. Carcinogenic activity of pentabrominated diphenyl ether mixture (DE-71) in rats and mice. Toxicology Reports 2018 25(5):615-624. [Abstract Dunnick JK, Pandiri A, Merrick BA, Kissling G, Funny H, Multi E, Waidyanatha S, Sills R, Hong HL, Ton TV, Maynor T, Recio L, Phillips SL, Devote MJ, Brix A. Carcinogenic activity of pentabrominated diphenyl ether mixture (DE-71) in rats and mice. Toxicology Reports 2018 25(5):615-624.]
  4. Dunnick, J.K., Morgan, D.L., Elmore, S.A., Gerrish, K., Pandiri, A., Ton, T.V., Shockley, K.R., and Merrick, B.A. Tetrabromobisphenol A activates the hepatic interferon pathway in rats. Tox. Lett. 266, 32-41, 2017. [Abstract Dunnick, J.K., Morgan, D.L., Elmore, S.A., Gerrish, K., Pandiri, A., Ton, T.V., Shockley, K.R., and Merrick, B.A. Tetrabromobisphenol A activates the hepatic interferon pathway in rats. Tox. Lett. 266, 32-41, 2017.]
  5. Dunnick JK, Shockley KR, Morgan DL, et al. 2017. Hepatic transcriptomic alterations for N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMPT) and p-toluidine after 5-day exposure in rats. Archives of toxicology 91(4):1685-1696 [Abstract Dunnick JK, Shockley KR, Morgan DL, et al. 2017. Hepatic transcriptomic alterations for N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMPT) and p-toluidine after 5-day exposure in rats. Archives of toxicology 91(4):1685-1696]
  6. Shimbo T, Dunnick JK, Brix A, et al. 2017 DNA Methylation Changes in Tbx3 in a Mouse Model Exposed to Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers. International journal of toxicology 36(3):229-238 [Abstract Shimbo T, Dunnick JK, Brix A, et al. 2017 DNA Methylation Changes in Tbx3 in a Mouse Model Exposed to Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers. International journal of toxicology 36(3):229-238]
  7. Dunnick, J.K., Merrick, B.A., Brix, A., Morgan, D.L., Gerrish, K., Wang, Y., Flake, G., Foley, J., Shockley, K.R. Molecular changes in the nasal cavity after N,N-Dimethyl-p-toluidine exposure. Toxicol. Path. 44(6), 835-847, 2016. [Abstract Dunnick, J.K., Merrick, B.A., Brix, A., Morgan, D.L., Gerrish, K., Wang, Y., Flake, G., Foley, J., Shockley, K.R. Molecular changes in the nasal cavity after N,N-Dimethyl-p-toluidine exposure. Toxicol. Path. 44(6), 835-847, 2016.]
  8. Dunnick JK, Brix A, Sanders JM, Travlos GS. 2014. N,N-Dimethyl-p-toluidine, a Component in Dental Materials, Causes Hematologic Toxic and Carcinogenic Responses in Rodent Model Systems. Toxicol Pathol 42(3): 603-615. [Abstract Dunnick JK, Brix A, Sanders JM, Travlos GS. 2014. N,N-Dimethyl-p-toluidine, a Component in Dental Materials, Causes Hematologic Toxic and Carcinogenic Responses in Rodent Model Systems. Toxicol Pathol 42(3): 603-615.]
  9. Dunnick JK, Sanders JM, Elmore S. Environmental chemical exposure may contribute to uterine cancer development: studies with tetrabromobisphenol A. Toxicologic pathology 2015 43(4):464-473. [Abstract Dunnick JK, Sanders JM, Elmore S. Environmental chemical exposure may contribute to uterine cancer development: studies with tetrabromobisphenol A. Toxicologic pathology 2015 43(4):464-473.]
  10. Dunnick JK, Nyska A. 2013. The toxicity and pathology of selected dietary herbal medicines. Toxicol Pathol 41(2): 374-386. [Abstract Dunnick JK, Nyska A. 2013. The toxicity and pathology of selected dietary herbal medicines. Toxicol Pathol 41(2): 374-386.]
  11. Dunnick JK , Brix A, Cunny H, Vallant M , Shockley KR. Characterization of polybrominated diphenyl ether toxicity in Wistar Han rats and use of liver microarray data for predicting disease susceptibilities. Toxicologic pathology 2012 40(1):93-106. [Abstract Dunnick JK , Brix A, Cunny H, Vallant M , Shockley KR. Characterization of polybrominated diphenyl ether toxicity in Wistar Han rats and use of liver microarray data for predicting disease susceptibilities. Toxicologic pathology 2012 40(1):93-106.]
  12. Dunnick, J.K., Singh, B., Nyska, A., Peckham, J., Kissling, G.E., and Sanders, J.M. (2011) Investigating the potential for toxicity from long-term use of the herbal products, Goldenseal and Milk thistle. Toxicologic pathology 39(2):398-409. [Abstract Dunnick, J.K., Singh, B., Nyska, A., Peckham, J., Kissling, G.E., and Sanders, J.M. (2011) Investigating the potential for toxicity from long-term use of the herbal products, Goldenseal and Milk thistle. Toxicologic pathology 39(2):398-409.]
  13. Dunnick, J.K., and Nyska, A. (2009) Characterization of liver toxicity in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice after exposure to the flame retardant containing lower molecular weight polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Experimental and toxicologic pathology : official journal of the Gesellschaft fur Toxikologische Pathologie 61(1):1-12. [Abstract Dunnick, J.K., and Nyska, A. (2009) Characterization of liver toxicity in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice after exposure to the flame retardant containing lower molecular weight polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Experimental and toxicologic pathology : official journal of the Gesellschaft fur Toxikologische Pathologie 61(1):1-12.]
  14. Lea, I.A., Jackson, M.A., Li, X., Bailey, S., Peddada, S.D., and Dunnick, J.K. (2007) Genetic pathways and mutation profiles of human cancer: site- and exposure-specific patterns. Carcinogenesis 9: 1851-1858. [Abstract Lea, I.A., Jackson, M.A., Li, X., Bailey, S., Peddada, S.D., and Dunnick, J.K. (2007) Genetic pathways and mutation profiles of human cancer: site- and exposure-specific patterns. Carcinogenesis 9: 1851-1858.]
  15. Dunnick, J.K., Thayer, K.A., and Travlos, G.S. (2007) Inclusion of biomarkers for detecting perturbations in the heart and lung and lipid/carbohydrate metabolism in National Toxicology Program studies. Toxicological Sciences 100:29-35. [Abstract Dunnick, J.K., Thayer, K.A., and Travlos, G.S. (2007) Inclusion of biomarkers for detecting perturbations in the heart and lung and lipid/carbohydrate metabolism in National Toxicology Program studies. Toxicological Sciences 100:29-35.]
  16. Dunnick, J.K., Heath, J, Farnell, D.R., Prejean, J.D., Haseman, J.K., and Elwell, M.R. (1997) Carcinogenic activity of brominated chemicals: studies with the flame retardant, 2,2-bis(bromomethyl)-1,3-propanediol in rodents, and comparison with the carcinogenicity of other brominated chemicals. Toxicologic Pathology 25:541-548.
  17. Dunnick, J.K. and Hailey, J.R. (1996) Phenolphthalein exposure causes multiple carcinogenic effects in experimental model systems. Cancer Research 56: 4922-4926. [Abstract Dunnick, J.K. and Hailey, J.R. (1996) Phenolphthalein exposure causes multiple carcinogenic effects in experimental model systems. Cancer Research 56: 4922-4926.]
  18. Dunnick, J.K., Elwell, M.R., and Haseman, J.K. (1996) Decreased incidence of spontaneous mammary gland neoplasms in female F344 rats treated with amphetamine, methylphenidate, or codeine. Cancer Letters 102: 1-7. [Abstract Dunnick, J.K., Elwell, M.R., and Haseman, J.K. (1996) Decreased incidence of spontaneous mammary gland neoplasms in female F344 rats treated with amphetamine, methylphenidate, or codeine. Cancer Letters 102: 1-7.]
  19. Dunnick, J.K., Elwell, M.R., Radovsky, A.E., Benson, J.M., Hahn, F.F., Barr, E.B., and Hobbs, C.H. (1995) Comparative carcinogenic effects of nickel subsulfide, nickel oxide, or nickel sulfate hexahydrate exposures in the lung. Cancer Research 55:5251-5256. [Abstract Dunnick, J.K., Elwell, M.R., Radovsky, A.E., Benson, J.M., Hahn, F.F., Barr, E.B., and Hobbs, C.H. (1995) Comparative carcinogenic effects of nickel subsulfide, nickel oxide, or nickel sulfate hexahydrate exposures in the lung. Cancer Research 55:5251-5256.]
  20. Dunnick, J.K., Elwell, M.R., Huff, J. and Barrett, J.C. (1995) Experimental studies of mammary gland cancer and environmental chemicals. Carcinogenesis 16:173-179.
  21. Dunnick, J.K. and Hailey, R. (1995) Experimental studies on the long-term effects of methylphenidate hydrochloride. Toxicology 103: 77-84. [Abstract Dunnick, J.K. and Hailey, R. (1995) Experimental studies on the long-term effects of methylphenidate hydrochloride. Toxicology 103: 77-84.]
  22. Dunnick, J.K., Elwell, M.R. and Bucher, J. (1994) Comparative toxicities of o-, m-, and p-nitrotoluene in 13-week feed studies in F344 rats and B6CF1 mice. Fund. Appl. Toxicol. 22:411-421. [Abstract Dunnick, J.K., Elwell, M.R. and Bucher, J. (1994) Comparative toxicities of o-, m-, and p-nitrotoluene in 13-week feed studies in F344 rats and B6CF1 mice. Fund. Appl. Toxicol. 22:411-421.]
  23. Yuan, J., Dunnick, J.K., Jones, E.C. and Findlay, J.W.A. (1994) Codeine toxicokinetics in rats during 2-year dosed feed study. Drug Metabolism and Disposition 22:14-20. [Abstract Yuan, J., Dunnick, J.K., Jones, E.C. and Findlay, J.W.A. (1994) Codeine toxicokinetics in rats during 2-year dosed feed study. Drug Metabolism and Disposition 22:14-20.]
  24. Morgan, D.L., Dunnick, J.K., Goehl, T., Jokinen, M.P., Matthews, H.B., Zeiger, E. and Mennear, J. H. (1994) Summary of the National Toxicology Program Benzidine Dye Initiative. Environmental Health Perspectives 102:63-78. [Abstract Morgan, D.L., Dunnick, J.K., Goehl, T., Jokinen, M.P., Matthews, H.B., Zeiger, E. and Mennear, J. H. (1994) Summary of the National Toxicology Program Benzidine Dye Initiative. Environmental Health Perspectives 102:63-78.]
  25. Dunnick, J.K. and Melnick, R.L. (1993) Assessment of the carcinogenic potential of chlorinated water: experimental studies of chlorine, chloramine, and trihalomethanes. J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 85:817-822. [Abstract Dunnick, J.K. and Melnick, R.L. (1993) Assessment of the carcinogenic potential of chlorinated water: experimental studies of chlorine, chloramine, and trihalomethanes. J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 85:817-822.]