The Markstein lab studies how stem cells interpret and respond to natural and synthetic chemicals in the environment. We recently showed that stem cells form small tumors in response to a subset of FDA approved chemotherapeutics, highlighting the importance of these studies to human health. Our goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying stem cell chemical interactions, in both normal and cancer stem cells. Our work integrates genetic and chemical approaches to study basic stem cell biology, cancer biology, and toxicology.