Robert Rice's research focuses on perturbation of growth properties and differentiation in cultured keratinocytes and related cell types from human and rat. Model agents studied include arsenic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxin, heterocyclic amines, tumor promoters. Interactions with physiological factors (insulin, retinoic acid, hydrocortisone) also of interest. Effects of oxidative stress and signaling pathways, as well as applications to assessing biological activities of air pollutants, are also of special interest.