Javier G. Blanco Clin. Biochem., Ph.D.
Javier G. Blanco
Clin. Biochem., Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Cardio-Oncology; Down Syndrome; Drug Metabolism; Drug Utilization Research; Epigenetics; Monoclonal Antibodies; Pharmacoepigenomics; Pharmacogenomics; Translational Research
Professional Summary:
My research is focused on the systematic characterization of genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to variable drug response in relevant clinical settings. My professional training in clinical biochemistry coupled to my background in cancer pharmacology allow me to perform patient-oriented research through a combination of approaches based on: 1) the analysis of biological samples from selected populations, 2) the use of an array of contemporary experimental platforms, 3) direct translation of laboratory findings into clinical studies in adult and pediatric patients. For example, through pivotal studies in collaboration with Dr. Smita Bhatia and colleagues from the Children’s Oncology group we have demonstrated that functional polymorphisms in genes involved in the pharmacodynamics of anticancer anthracycline drugs contribute to the risk of anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity in long-term survivors of pediatric cancers.
1) Individuals with Down syndrome experience multiple comorbid health problems that necessitate pharmacotherapeutic management with various drugs. We are performing studies to identify molecular determinants associated with the metabolism and disposition of clinically relevant drugs in persons with Down syndrome.
2) New projects in our lab are focused on the characterization of epigenetic determinants that control the variable expression of cellular receptors key for the pharmacological action of monoclonal antibody drugs in humans.
3) Our research in collaboration with colleagues from the Department of Pharmacy Practice is investigating the utilization of clinical pharmacogenetic testing in the State of New York.
Education and Training:
- Postdoctoral Research Associate, St. Jude Children‘s Research Hospital (2002)
- PhD, National University of Cordoba, Argentina, Outstanding (10/10) (1998)
- Professional Degree, Clinical Biochemistry, National University of Cordoba, Argentina (1993)
Employment:
- Professor, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2017-present)
- Member, Molecular Targets & Experimental Therapeutics Program, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA (2003-present)
- Associate Professor, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2008–2017)
- Assistant Professor, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2003–2008)
- Postdoctoral Research Associate, Pharmaceutical Sciences, St Jude Children Research Hospital (1998–2002)
- Resident, Central laboratory, clinical chemistry, Province of Cordoba Children's Hospital, Argentina (1992–1993)
Awards and Honors:
- Medal of Honor, Argentine Society of Genetics (SAG) (2017)
- Top 100 Principal Investigators (2005)
- Fellow (by competition with peer review evaluation) of the Federal Secretariat of Science and Technology (SECyT), Argentina Project: Study of the effect of Natural Compounds Isolated from Plants on the Catalytic Activity of Steroidogenic Enzymes (1998)
- Research Fellow. Competitive Research Fellowship with peer review evaluation. Three consecutive renewals (1994 - 1997). Project: Characterization of a Novel Group of Aromatase Inhibitors from Plants of the Northwestern Region of Argentina (1994)
Research Expertise:
- Professional degree in clinical biochemistry: The recipient of this degree is qualified to practice clinical biochemistry in various clinical settings.
Grants and Sponsored Research:
- December 2018–November 2021
V-Foundation for Cancer Research
Role: Co-Investigator - September 2019–August 2021
Evaluation of Myocardial Targets to Prevent Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity in Children with Down Syndrome and Leukemia
National Cancer Institute
Role: Principal Investigator - April 2015–August 2020
Contribution of CBRs and AKRs to the Pharmacodynamics of Anthracycline Drugs
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Role: Principal Investigator - April 2017–March 2020
Epigenetic Regulation of FcRn Expression in Human Lung and its Role in the Disposition of Monoclonal Antibody Drugs
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Role: Principal Investigator - March 2017–February 2019
Integrating Naltrexone Treatment, Alcoholics Anonymous Facilitation, and the OPRM1 Polymorphism in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependent Outpatients
Buffalo Clinical and Translational Research Center
Role: Co-Investigator - January 2012–February 2018
Enabling Access to Cutting-Edge Biomedical and Behavioral Sciences
National Institutes of Health
Role: Contributor - April 2014–March 2017
Characterization of Cardiac Mitochondrial DNA in Donors with Down Syndrome
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Role: Principal Investigator - March 2014–January 2017
Pinpointing Molecular Determinants for the Cardiotoxicity Associated with the Use of Trastuzumab for Breast Cancer Chemotherapy
The Mae Stone Goode Trust
Role: Principal Investigator
Patents:
- Inhibitory Action of Sesquiterpene Lactones on the Aromatase Activity File Number 337.384. National Institute of Industrial Property. Ministry of Public Service, Argentina (2006)
Journal Articles:
- Stewart SH, Walitzer KS, Blanco J, Swiatek D, Paine Hughes L, Quiñones-Lombraña A, Shyhalla K. Medication-enhanced behavior therapy for alcohol use disorder: Naltrexone, Alcoholics Anonymous Facilitation, and OPRM1 genetic variation J Subst Abuse Treat. 2019.
- Lombraña AQ, Blanco JG. Comparative analysis of the DYRK1A-SRSF6-TNNT2 pathway in myocardial tissue from individuals with and without Down syndrome. Exp Mol Pathol. 2019.
- Cejas RB, Ferguson DC, Quiñones-Lombraña A, Bard JE, Blanco JG. Contribution of DNA methylation to the expression of FCGRT in human liver and myocardium. Sci Rep. 2019; 9(1).
- Quiñones-Lombraña A, Intini A, Blanco JG. Insights into the transcriptional regulation of the anthracycline reductase AKR7A2 in human cardiomyocytes. Toxicol Lett. 2019.
- Hefti E, Jacobs DM, Rana K, Blanco JG. Analysis of outpatient HER2 testing in New York state using the statewide planning and research cooperative system. Pharmacogenomics. 2018.
- Lombraña AQ, Li N, Del Solar V, Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen G, Blanco JG. CBR1 rs9024 genotype status impacts the bioactivation of loxoprofen in human liver. Biopharm Drug Dispos. 2018.
- Ferguson DC, Blanco JG. Regulation of the Human Fc-Neonatal Receptor alpha-Chain Gene FCGRT by MicroRNA-3181. Pharm Res. 2018; 35(1).
- Meseguer-Ripolles J, Khetani SR, Blanco JG, Iredale M, Hay DC. Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Human Tissue: Platforms to Evaluate Drug Metabolism and Safety. AAPS J. 2017; 20(1).
- Quiñones-Lombraña A, Blair RH, Blanco JG. Investigation of the role of DNA methylation in the expression of ERBB2 in human myocardium. Gene. 2017.
- Hefti E, Blanco JG. Mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy in cardiac tissue from individuals with and without coronary artery disease. Mitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal. 2017.
- Hefti E, Bard J, Blanco JG. Analysis of Heteroplasmic Variants in the Cardiac Mitochondrial Genome of Individuals with Down Syndrome. Hum Mutat. 2016.
- Hefti E, Blanco JG. Pharmacotherapeutic considerations for individuals with Down syndrome. Pharmacotherapy. 2016.
- Quiñones-Lombraña A, Cheng Q, Ferguson DC, Blanco JG. Transcriptional regulation of the canine carbonyl reductase 1 gene (cbr1) by the specificity protein 1 (Sp1). GENE. 2016.
- Hoefer CC, Blair RH, Blanco JG. Development of a CART Model to Predict the Synthesis of Cardiotoxic Daunorubicinol in Heart Tissue Samples From Donors With and Without Down Syndrome. J Pharm Sci. 2016.
- Hefti E, Blanco JG. Pharmacokinetics of Chemotherapeutic Drugs in Pediatric Patients With Down Syndrome and Leukemia. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2016.
- Wang X, Sun CL, Quiñones-Lombraña A, Singh P, Landier W, Hageman L, Mather M, Rotter JI, Taylor KD, Chen YI, Armenian SH, Winick N, Ginsberg JP, Neglia JP, Oeffinger KC, Castellino SM, Dreyer ZE, Hudson MM, Robison LL, Blanco JG, Bhatia S. CELF4 Variant and Anthracycline-Related Cardiomyopathy: A Children's Oncology Group Genome-Wide Association Study. J Clin Oncol. 2016.
- Hefti E, Blanco JG. Documenting Pharmacogenomic Testing with CPT Codes. J AHIMA. 2016; 87(1).
- Hoefer CC, Quiñones-Lombraña A, Blair RH, Blanco JG. Role of DNA Methylation on the Expression of the Anthracycline Metabolizing Enzyme AKR7A2 in Human Heart. Cardiovasc Toxicol. 2015.
- Ferguson DC, Cheng Q, Blanco JG. Characterization of the Canine Anthracycline Metabolizing Enzyme Carbonyl Reductase 1 (cbr1) and the Functional Isoform cbr1 V218. Drug Metab Dispos. 2015.
- Quiñones-Lombraña A, Blanco JG. Chromosome 21-derived hsa-miR-155-5p regulates mitochondrial biogenesis by targeting Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A (TFAM). Biochim Biophys Acta. 2015; 1852(7).
- Hefti E, Blanco JG. Anthracycline-Related Cardiotoxicity in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Down Syndrome: A Literature Review. Cardiovasc Toxicol. 2015.
- Quiñones-Lombraña A, Ferguson D, Hageman Blair R, Kalabus JL, Redzematovic A, Blanco JG. Interindividual variability in the cardiac expression of anthracycline reductases in donors with and without Down syndrome. Pharm Res. 2014; 31(7).
- Hefti E, Quiñones-Lombraña A, Redzematovic A, Hui J, Blanco JG. Analysis of mtDNA, miR-155 and BACH1 expression in hearts from donors with and without Down syndrome. Mitochondrial DNA. 2014; 18.
- Blanco JG. Cardiotoxicidad de Antraciclinas: Potenciales Factores de Riesgo Geneticos en Sobrevivientes de Canceres Pediatricos (Anthracycline-related Cardiotoxicity: Potential Genetic Risk Factors in Survivors of Pediatric Cancers). Bitacora Digital. 2014; 2(1).
- Wang X, Liu W, Sun CL, Armenian SH, Hakonarson H, Hageman L, Ding Y, Landier W, Blanco JG, Chen L, Quiñones A, Ferguson D, Winick N, Ginsberg JP, Keller F, Neglia JP, Desai S, Sklar CA, Castellino SM, Cherrick I, Dreyer ZE, Hudson MM, Robison LL, Yasui Y, Relling MV, Bhatia S. Hyaluronan synthase 3 variant and anthracycline-related cardiomyopathy: a report from the children‘s oncology group. J Clin Oncol. 2014; 32(7).
- Kalabus J; Cheng Q; Blanco JG. MicroRNAs Differentially Regulate Carbonyl Reductase 1 (CBR1) Gene Expression Dependent on the Allele Status of the Common Polymorphic Variant rs9024. PlosOne. 2012; 7.
- Kalabus JL; Cheng Q; Jamil R; Schuetz E; Blanco JG. Induction of carbonyl reductase 1 (CBR1) expression in human lung tissues and lung cancer cells by the cigarette smoke constituent benzo[a]pyrene. Toxicol Lett. 2012; 211.
- Blanco JG, Sun CL, Landier W, Chen L, Esparza-Duran D, Leisenring W, Mays A, Friedman DL, Ginsberg JP, Hudson MM, Neglia JP, Oeffinger KC, Ritchey AK, Villaluna D, Relling MV, Bhatia S. Anthracycline-related cardiomyopathy after childhood cancer: role of polymorphisms in carbonyl reductase genes--a report from the Children‘s Oncology Group. J Clin Oncol. 2012; 30(13).
- Cheng Q, Sanborn C, Ferguson D, Blanco JG. DNA sequence variants in the carbonyl reductase 1 (cbr1) gene in seven breeds of Canis lupus familiaris. Genet Mol Res. 2012; 11(2).
- Bhatia S, Blanco JG, Landier W, Relling MV. Reply to C.D. Atkins. J Clin Oncol. 2012; 30(28).
- Cheng Q; Kalabus Jl; Zhang J; Blanco JG. A Conserved Antioxidant Response Element (ARE) in the Promoter of Human Carbonyl Reductase 3 (CBR3) Mediates Induction by the Master Redox Switch Nrf2. Biochem Pharmacol. 2012; 83.
- Fetterly GJ, Thudium KE, Kalabus J, Murphy M, Zagst PD, Prey J, Kittleman E, Adjei AA, O'Connor TL, Blanco JG. Understanding the role of carbonyl reductase polymorphisms on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity with population pharmacokinetics (PK). J Clin Oncol. 2011; 29(15_su).
- Kalabus JL; Sanborn CC; Jamil RG; Cheng Q; Blanco JG. Expression of the anthracycline-metabolizing enzyme carbonyl reductase 1 in hearts from donors with Down syndrome. Drug Metab Dispos. 2010; 38.
- Kuptsova-Clarkson N; Wetzler M; Moysich KB; Ambrosone CB; Weiss J; Baer MR; Sucheston LE; Zirpoli G; Kopecky KJ; Ford L; Blanco JG. XPD DNA nucleotide excision repair gene polymorphisms associated with DNA repair deficiency predict better treatment outcomes in secondary acute myeloid leukemia. Int J Mol Epidemiol Genet. 2010; 1.
- Hampras SS; Ford LA; Moysich KB; Sucheston l; Weiss J; Baer MR; Zirpoli G; Singh PK; Wetzler M; Chennamaneni M; Blanco JG. Genetic Polymorphisms of ATP-binding Cassette (ABC) Proteins, Overall Survival and Drug Toxicity in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Mol Epidemiol Genet. 2010; 1.
- Cao J; Gonzalez-Covarrubias V; Straubinger RM; Wang H; Duan X; Yu H; Qu J; Blanco JG. A rapid, reproducible, on-the-fly orthogonal array optimization method for targeted protein quantification by LC/MS and its application for accurate and sensitive quantification of carbonyl reductases in human liver. Anal Chem. 2010; 82.
- Zhang J; Blanco JG. Identification of the promoter of human carbonyl reductase 3 (CBR3) and impact of common promoter polymorphisms on hepatic CBR3 mRNA expression. Pharm Res. 2009; 26.
- Choi JY, Barlow WE, Albain KS, Hong CC, Blanco JG, Livingston RB, Davis W, Rae JM, Yeh IT, Hutchins LF, Ravdin PM, Martino S, Lyss AP, Osborne CK, Abeloff MD, Hayes DF, Ambrosone CB. Nitric oxide synthase variants and disease-free survival among treated and untreated breast cancer patients in a Southwest Oncology Group clinical trial. Clin Cancer Res. 2009; 15(16).
- Gonzalez-Covarrubias V, Zhang J, Kalabus JL, Relling MV, Blanco JG. Pharmacogenetics of human carbonyl reductase 1 (CBR1) in livers from black and white donors. Drug Metab Dispos. 2009; 37(2).
- Blanco JG; Leisenring WM; Kawashima TI; Davies SM; Relling MV; Robison LL; Sklar CA; Stovall M; Bhatia S. Genetic polymorphisms in the carbonyl reductase 3 gene CBR3 and the NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 gene NQO1 in patients who developed anthracycline-related congestive heart failure after childhood cancer. Cancer. 2008; 112.
- Gonzalez-Covarrubias V; Kalabus JL; Blanco JG. Inhibition of polymorphic human carbonyl reductase 1 (CBR1) by the cardioprotectant flavonoid 7-monohydroxyethyl rutoside (monoHER). Pharm Res. 2008; 25.
- Lakhman SS; Chen X; Gonzalez-Covarrubias V; Schuetz EG; Blanco JG. Functional characterization of the promoter of human carbonyl reductase 1 (CBR1). Role of XRE elements in mediating the induction of CBR1 by ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.. Mol Pharmacol. 2007; 72.
- Gonzalez-Covarrubias V; Ghosh D; Lakhman SS; Pendyala L; Blanco JG. A functional genetic polymorphism on human carbonyl reductase 1 (CBR1 V88I) impacts on catalytic activity and NADPH binding affinity. Drug Metab Dispos. 2007.
- Weiss JR, Baer MR, Ambrosone CB, Blanco JG, Hutson A, Ford LA, Moysich KB. Concordance of pharmacogenetic polymorphisms in tumor and germ line DNA in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2007; 16(5).
- Covarrubias VG, Lakhman SS, Forrest A, Relling MV, Blanco JG. Higher activity of polymorphic NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase in liver cytosols from blacks compared to whites. Toxicol Lett. 2006; 164(3).
- Choi JY, Nowell SA, Blanco JG, Ambrosone CB. The role of genetic variability in drug metabolism pathways in breast cancer prognosis. Pharmacogenomics. 2006; 7(4).
- Lakhman SS, Ghosh D, Blanco JG. Functional significance of a natural allelic variant of human carbonyl reductase 3 (CBR3). Drug Metab Dispos. 2005; 33(2).
- Schuetz EG, Relling MV, Kishi S, Yang W, Das S, Chen P, Cook EH, Rosner GL, Pui CH, Blanco JG, Edick MJ, Hancock ML, Winick NJ, Dervieux T, Amylon MD, Bash RO, Behm FG, Camitta BM, Raimondi SC, Goh BC, Lee SC, Wang LZ, Fan L, Guo JY, Lamba J, Lim R, Lim HL, Ong AB, Lee HS, Kuehl P, Zhang J, Lin Y, Assem M, Schuetz J, Watkins PB, Daly A, Wrighton SA, Hall SD, Maurel P, Brimer C, Yasuda K, Venkataramanan R, Strom S, Thummel K, Boguski MS. PharmGKB update: II. CYP3A5, cytochrome P450, family 3, subfamily A, polypeptide 5. Pharmacol Rev. 2004; 56(2).
- Blanco JG, Edick MJ, Relling MV. Etoposide induces chimeric Mll gene fusions. FASEB J. 2004; 18(1).
- Relling MV, Boyett JM, Blanco JG, Raimondi S, Behm FG, Sandlund JT, Rivera GK, Kun LE, Evans WE, Pui CH. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and the risk of secondary myeloid malignancy after etoposide treatment. Blood. 2003; 101(10).
- Blanco JG, Edick MJ, Hancock ML, Winick NJ, Dervieux T, Amylon MD, Bash RO, Behm FG, Camitta BM, Pui CH, Raimondi SC, Relling MV. Genetic polymorphisms in CYP3A5, CYP3A4 and NQO1 in children who developed therapy-related myeloid malignancies. Pharmacogenetics. 2002; 12(8).
- Blanco JG, Dervieux T, Edick MJ, Mehta PK, Rubnitz JE, Shurtleff S, Raimondi SC, Behm FG, Pui CH, Relling MV. Molecular emergence of acute myeloid leukemia during treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2001; 98(18).
- Dervieux T, Blanco JG, Krynetski EY, Vanin EF, Roussel MF, Relling MV. Differing contribution of thiopurine methyltransferase to mercaptopurine versus thioguanine effects in human leukemic cells. Cancer Res. 2001; 61(15).
- Blanco JG, Gil RR, Bocco JL, Meragelman TL, Genti-Raimondi S, Flury A. Aromatase inhibition by an 11,13-dihydroderivative of a sesquiterpene lactone. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2001; 297(3).
- Blanco JG, Harrison PL, Evans WE, Relling MV. Human cytochrome P450 maximal activities in pediatric versus adult liver. Drug Metab Dispos. 2000; 28(4).
- Blanco JG, Gil RR, Alvarez CI, Patrito LC, Genti-Raimondi S, Flury A. A novel activity for a group of sesquiterpene lactones: inhibition of aromatase. FEBS Lett. 1997; 409(3).
Abstracts:
- Lang JK, Quinones-Lombrana A, Hageman Blair R, Early AP, Levine EG, Opyrchal M, Blanco JG, O’Connor T. Association of CBR3 Polymorphisms with an Early Change in Cardiac Function as Assessed by Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Doxorubicin. San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. 2018.
- Ferguson D, Blanco JG. Elucidating the Effect of DNA Methylation on the Regulation of Human Neonatal Fc Receptor (FcRn). ASPET Annual Meeting at Experimental Biology. 2017.
- Ferguson D, Blanco JG. Identifying MicroRNA Determinants of Neonatal Fc Receptor (FcRn) Expression in Humans. 2016 AAPS National Biotechnology Conference. 2016.
- Blanco JG. Investigation of the Pharmacogenetic Influences of Carbonyl Reductase on Doxorubicin and Doxorubicinol in Breast Cancer Patients. American Society of Clinical Oncology. 2013.
- Blanco JG; Bhatia S; Sun C; Landier W; Chen L; Oeffinger K; Hudson M; Neglia J; Ritchey A; Relling M. Anthracycline-related cardiomyopathy in childhood cancer survivors and association with polymorphisms in the carbonyl reductase genes: A Children‘s Oncology Group study. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings. 2010; 28.
- Sanborn C; Kalabus JL; Jamil R; Blanco JG. Increased carbonyl reductase 1 (CBR1) expression in hearts from donors with Down syndrome. Sixth Annual Celebration of Academic Excellence- University at Buffalo, SUNY. 2010.
Professional Memberships:
- T21 Research Society (2019–present)
- Argentinean Society of Genetics (SAG) (2016–present)
- Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) (2014–present)
- American College of Clinical Pharmacology (ACCP) (2009–present)
- The Pharmacogenetics Research Network (PharmGKB); Affiliated Member (2007–present)
- American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS); Member (2005–present)
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP); Member (2003–2008)
- The Children‘s Oncology Group (COG); Member (2002–present)
- American Society of Hematology (ASH); Member (2001–2010)
- Argentinian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SAIB); Member (1994–1998)
- Society of Biology of Córdoba (Argentina); Member (1994–1998)
Presentations:
- "Identification of Genetic and Epigenetic Determinants in Cardio-oncology" , University at Buffalo, Gene, Environment, and Microbiome Community of Excellence (2019)
- "Identification of Genetic and Epigenetic Determinants in Cardio-oncology" , University of Arizona College of Pharmacy (2019)
- "A Snapshot of Pharmacogenetic Testing in the State of New York" Annual Meeting of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology, American College of Clinical Pharmacology (2018)
- "Symposium: Implementation of Preemptive Pharmacogenetics: Opportunities, Challenges & Successes" Annual Meeting of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology, American College of Clinical Pharmacology (2018)
- "Precision Medicine: An Overview of the Implementation of Pharmacogenetics" Pharmacists Society of the State of New York 140th Annual Convention, Pharmacists Society of the State of New York (2018)
- "Cardiovascular Pharmacogenetics" 2nd Latin American Congress on Pharmacogenetics and Personalized Medicine, Latin American Society of Pharmacogenetics and Personalized Medicine (2017)
- "Identification of Pharmacogenetic Determinants for Long-Term Toxicities in Survivors of Pediatric Cancers" 2nd Latin American Congress on Pharmacogenetics and Personalized Medicine, Latin American Society of Pharmacogenetics and Personalized Medicine (2017)
- "The Pharmacogenomics of Anthracycline-related Cardiotoxicity in Survivors of Pediatric Cancers" XLVI Annual Meeting of the Argentinean Society of Genetics, Argentinean Society of Genetics (2017)
- "The Status of Clinical Pharmacogenetic Testing in Argentina" XLVI Annual Meeting of the Argentinean Society of Genetics, Argentinean Society of Genetics (2017)
- "Molecular Determinants for Anthracycline-Related Cardiotoxicity in Survivors of Pediatric Cancers" , Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Nationwide Children’s Hospital (2017)
- "Organizer, Dialogue and Debate Session Stem-Cell Derived Cell Lines: Platforms to Evaluate Drug Metabolism and Transport" 2016 AAPS Annual Meeting and Exposition, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (2016)
- "Pharmacogenetics: Clinical Implementation and Regulatory Considerations" 1rst National Scientific Congress on Professional Biochemistry, National University of Córdoba, Córdoba Catholic University, and Province of Córdoba Society of Clinical Biochemistry. Córdoba, Argentina (2016)
- "Pharmacogenomic Determinants Associated to the Cardiotoxicity of Anthracycline Drugs" XVI Latin-American Congress of Genetics, Latin American Society of Genetics, Montevideo, Uruguay (2016)
- "Post graduate level course in Pharmacogenetics. Module: Cancer Pharmacogenetics" Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay (2016)
- "The Pharmacogenomics of Anthracycline-related Cardiotoxicity in Survivors of Pediatric Cancers" , Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Cancer Genetics Program (2016)
- "Identification of Pharmacogenetic Determinants in Cardio-Oncology" VI Ibero-American Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences/XLVII Meeting of the Argentinian Society of Experimental Pharmacology/III South American Congress of Biopharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Sponsored by the Argentinian Ministry of Science and Technology (RAICES program) (2015)
- "The Pharmacogenetics of Anthracycline-Based Therapies in Survivors of Pediatric Cancers" , Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, National University of Córdoba, Argentina (2015)
- "Pinpointing Molecular Determinants for the Cardiotoxicity Associated to Anticancer Therapies" , Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (2015)
- "Pharmacogenetic Insights into Anthracycline-Related Cardiotoxicity" , University of Florida College of Pharmacy (2015)
- "Basic Notions on Clinical Pharmacogenetics: Recent Developments and Clinical Utility." Barcelo University: special conference, Barceló University, La Rioja, Argentina (2014)
- "Clinical Pharmacogenetics" Post graduate level course in Clinical Pharmacogenetics. National University of Cordoba, National University of Cordoba (2014)
- "The Pharmacogenetic Bases of Cardio-oncology." Barcelo University: special conference (2014)
- "Pharmacogenetics of Late Effects in Survivors of Pediatric Cancers (Farmacogenetica en Sobrevivientes de Canceres Pediatricos)" Post-graduate level course "Molecular Bases of Gene Expression and its Impact in Cell Physiology". Department of Clinical Biochemistry, National University of Córdoba, National University of Córdoba (2012)
- "Trends in Pharmacogenetics: Defining Clinical Utility (Nociones Básicas de Farmacogenética: Desarrollos Recientes y Utilidad Clínica)" Argentinian Food, Drugs, and Medical Technology Administration (ANMAT), Argentinian Food, Drugs, and Medical Technology Administration (ANMAT) (2012)
- "Pharmacogenetics of Pediatric Cancers. Genetic Determinants of Efficacy and Late Toxicity (Farmacogenética de Cánceres Pediátricos. Determinantes Genéticos de Eficacia y Toxicidad Tardia)" Argentinian Society of Pediatrics (Catamarca‘s Division) and the Committee for Research and Teaching Development (Catamarca‘s Province Central Children‘s Hospital) (2012)
- "Novel Risk Factors for Anthracycline-related Cardiomyopathy in Pediatric Cancer Survivors. A Report from the Children's Oncology Group." XII Buffalo Pharmaceutics Symposium, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SoPPS (2010)
- "Anthracycline-related cardiomyopathy in childhood cancer survivors and associations with polymorphisms in the carbonyl reductase genes: A Children's Oncology Group study" Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (2010)
- "Pharmacogenetics of Human CBR1 in Livers from Black and White Donors" Annual Meeting of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (2008)
Service Activities:
- National Institutes of Health: Cardiac Contractility, Hypertrophy, and Failure Study Section (CCHF); Grant Reviewer (2019)
- Search Committee: Vice Provost for University Libraries; Member (2019)
- NIH-Special Emphasis Panel, Serious Adverse Drug Reaction Research, ZRG1 IDM-C(50); Grant Reviewer (2018)
- University at Buffalo Genomic Literacy Initiative; Member (2018–present)
- Translational Sciences Section, 14th Buffalo Pharmaceutics Symposium; Chair (2018)
- National Institutes of Health, Emphasis Panel for Translational Research in Pediatric and Obstetric Pharmacology and Therapeutics (ZRG1 EMNR-S); Grant Reviewer (2017)
- UB's IMPACT proposals: Life Sciences Panel; Reviewer (2017)
- Center for Integrated Global Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo; Member (2016–present)
- Academic Integrity Committee, University at Buffalo; Member (2015–present)
- National Institutes of Health: Xenobiotics Nutrients and Disposition Study Section (XNDA); Grant Reviewer (2015)
- Cardio-Oncology Journal. Editorial Board Member; Editorial Board Member (2015–present)
- Clinical Implementation Pharmacogenetics Consortium (CIPC); Member (2014–present)
- Reviewer for a new eCourse sponsored by the AAPS on Translational Sciences. Unit: Novel Methods for Predicting Safety and Efficacy; Reviewer (2014–present)
- Reviewer, IMPACT proposals: Biomarker, Therapeutic Discovery & Devices; Grant Reviewer (2014–present)
- Steering Committee Member, AAPS, The Drug Metabolism Focus Group; Member (2014–present)
- The American Kennel Club. Canine Health Foundation; Grant Reviewer (2013)
- Member, Graduate Studies Committee, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Member (2013–present)
- SoPPS Teacher of the Year Award; Reviewed teaching portfolios and made award recommendations Selected the recipient for the 2012 Teacher of the Year award; Member (2012)
- National Institutes of Health: Xenobiotics Nutrients and Disposition Study Section (XNDA); Grant Reviewer (2012)
- UB-UZ AIDS International Training and Research Program; Research Advisor for UB-UZ AIDS program.; Member (2012)
- Director, Pharmaceutical Genetics Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Director (2011–present)
- The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; Reviewer: Translational Research Program and Quality of Life Initiative. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is a premier non for profit organization whose mission is to find cures for hematological cancers.; Reviewer (2011–present)
- ACPE SoPPS Accreditation 2011 - Curriculum committee; Work with other members to prepare final ACPE report for School's accreditation. Specifically, I was in charge of Curriculum Std 13.; Member (2010)
- Interviewer-Assistant Vice President for Research; Represented the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences during interviews. Interviewed applicants for the position of Assistant Vice President of Research; Member (2010)
- Pharmacogenetics and Personalized Medicine Committe, XII Buffalo Pharmaceutics Symposium; Invited speakers to present at the XII Buffalo Pharmaceutics Symposium. Coordinated arrangements, and moderated discussions; Moderator (2010)
- 2010 Teacher of the Year Award Committee; Reviewed and discussed 8 teaching porfolios for the 2010 teacher of the year award.; Member (2010)
- Buffalo Pharmaceutics Symposium; Chair: Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics section Organization and coordination of the Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics section; Organizing Committee Member (2010)
- School of Pharmacy Office of Admissions; To conduct periodical reviews of student applications to the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.; Reviewer (2009–present)
- 2010 Searle Scholar Award Comimttee; Reviewed and discussed applications for the 2010 Searle Award; Member (2009)
- National Institutes of Health-Special Emphasis Panel: The Pharmacogenomics Research Network (U01/U19); Grant Reviewer (2009)
- Curriculum Committee; Participates in regular meetings focused on the professional curriculum for the PharmD program.; Member (2008)
- Graduate Studies Commitee; Participates in regular meetings focused on Departmental Graduate affairs.; Member (2008)
- Shool's Admissions Committee; Participates in regular meetings focused on the admission process for the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.; Member (2008–present)
- National Institutes of Health-Special Emphasis Panel: The Genes, Environment and Health Initiative” (ZDA1- GXM-A); Grant Reviewer (2008)
- Tenure and promotion advisory committee; To recommend external and internal candidates for the review of a tenure dossier; Member (2008)
- Key Adverse Events After Childhood Cancer-ALTE03N1; The Children‘s Oncology Group My group plays a key role in this multi-institutional & collaborative translational research effort. We have identified the first genetic risk factor for anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity among pediatric cancer survivors.; Member (2007)
- PRED-Pharmacogenetics of Human Reductases; The Pharmacogenetics Research Network-PharmGKB-www.PharmGKB.org My research group PRED (Pharmacogenetics of Human Reductases) is affiliated to the PharmGKB network. PRED has been making periodical contributions (e.g. curated datasets) to the PharmGKB dat; Faculty Liaison (2007)
- United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation; Reviewer (2006–present)
- School of Pharmacy Office of Admissions, Interviewer; Interview applicants to the School‘s PharmD program. Interviews are conducted alone or in combination with another SoPPS colleague.Follows interview guidelines and complete individual rubrics.Enter interview scores and make recommendations (i.e. pass/; Panel Member (2005)
- Fund for Scientific & Technological Research (FONCyT). Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Argentina; Grant Reviewer (2003–present)
- Faculty Advisory Committee; Special advisory committee for a junior faculty member. Critical review of scholarly achievements, funding strategies, and overall plans for tenure and promotion.; Other