Thomas Kocarek

Thomas Kocarek is Professor of Environmental Health Sciences and Pharmacology at Wayne State University School of Medicine. His laboratory investigates cytochrome P450 regulation, xenobiotic metabolism, and the interplay between lipid metabolism and drug-processing enzymes.

Research Focus: Dr. Kocarek examines molecular mechanisms controlling drug-metabolizing enzymes, particularly how sterol biosynthesis pathways regulate nuclear receptors (CAR, PXR) that control CYP expression. Current projects explore endocrine disruptor effects on thyroid signaling and photopharmacological approaches to modulate CYP activity.

Recent publications show strong emphasis on cytochrome P450 regulation (60% of articles) and nuclear receptor signaling (30%). Technological approaches include advanced molecular biology techniques, hepatocyte models, and novel metallodrug development for enzyme modulation.

Mentoring: Actively advises graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in pharmacology and toxicology. Research supported by NIH grants focusing on metabolic regulation of xenobiotic pathways.

Laboratory capabilities include cell culture models, molecular cloning, gene expression analysis, and enzyme activity assays for comprehensive drug metabolism studies.