Objective:
The objective of this research is to characterize the role of specific genes in nutrient metabolism and action. The research will focus on the role of the Znt7 gene, a zinc transport gene identified by Dr. Liping Huang at the WHNRC. It will also focus on the role of RXR, a gene that mediates the activity of vitamin A, in T cell function.

Approach:
Our approach is to conduct experiments with knockout mice that have been produced under a previous SCA with Dr. Lloyd at UC Davis. These mice, germline knockouts of ZnT7 and T-cell-specific knockouts of RXR, are now available and Dr. Huang and Dr. Stephensen are conducting functional experiments with the collaboration of Dr. Lloyd. Replaces 5306-51530-013-01S (2/06). Documents SCA with UC Davis.