1a.Objectives (from AD-416)
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.

1b.Approach (from AD-416)
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.

3.Progress Report
This report serves to document research conducted under a specific cooperative agreement betweeb ARS and the University of California. Additional details of this research project can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 5306-51530-013-00D, Micronutrients and Immune Function. This project has completed its full period. This collaboration with Dr. Kevin C. Lloyd, of the U.C. Davis Center for Comparative Medicine and the Transgenic Animal Core Facility, was initiated FY01. Activities to date involve planning experiments described in the cooperative agreement for Drs. Charles Stephensen and Liping Huang at the Western Human Nutrition Research Center. Other research scientists have pending projects. Accomplishments this year include production of a transgenic mouse with the retinoid X receptor (RXR)-beta deleted in T lymphocytes. These mice are now being characterized for Dr. Stephensen’s research on the role of vitamin A in T lymphocyte development. Dr. Liping Huang has also conducted functional studies using mice produced under this agreement in FY2003. In those mice the ZNT4 protein, a zinc transporter identified by Dr. Huang, has been disrupted in transgenic mice. Research activity was monitored by direct contact (including e-mail, telephone and face-to-face meetings) with the collaborating investigator at UC Davis.