Dr. Trevor Penning

Biography

Trevor M. Penning is the Molinoff Professor and Director of the Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Abramson Cancer Center and co-leader of the Tobacco Environmental Carcinogenesis Program. His research expertise lies in steroid hormone transforming aldo-keto reductases, particularly the aldo-keto reductase superfamily that contains mammalian hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. His work investigates the regulation of steroid hormone action by HSDs, which are potential therapeutic targets in prostate cancer treatment, specifically focusing on AKR1C3, an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of potent androgens. Penning has also researched the metabolic activation of chemical carcinogens, identifying novel pathways for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their potential implications in developing human biomarkers for oil exposure. Through his studies, he utilizes techniques such as site-directed mutagenesis, x-ray crystallography, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to explore the interactions between these enzymes and carcinogenic processes. Throughout his career, he has trained numerous students and postdoctoral fellows in the field, contributing significantly to the advancement of environmental health sciences.

Research Interests

Experience