2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To identify micro-nutrient responsive proteins in muscle and other tissues obtained from rodent models. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Laboratory rodents of varying ages and, in some cases varying genotypes and phenotypes, will be fed diets containing micronutrients in marginally-deficient and adequate amounts and either exposed to physical training or untrained. Comparisons will be made among established biochemical and physical markers of nutritional status and expression of proteins in selected tissues to determine impacts of sub-clinical micronutrient deficiencies. Emphasis will be muscle mitochondrial complexes and signal transduction in mitogenesis and angiogenesis. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a non-funded cooperative agreement between ARS and the United States Army Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (USARIEM). Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 5450-51530-009-00D, Micronutrient Roles in Physiology and Health. The project represents the commitment of the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center and the United States Army Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) to collaborate in studies of mutual value in the broad area of interaction of diet and physical activity on expression of proteins that regulate structural and functional adaptations of skeletal muscle and other key organs. Development of procedures and implementation of use of novel technology (E-PAGE system) was initiated by the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center to analyze tissue samples to determine proteins fundamental in stimulation of mitochondria to increase in number and new blood vessels to grow in muscle. Collaborative efforts were made to develop standardized experimental protocols, preparative methods and analytical procedures. Regular teleconferences were held to discuss project plans, review progress, and discuss data. Meetings were conducted at the collaborator’s laboratory and at national conferences to review information, plan additional experiments and review preliminary findings. Plans were made for additional meetings of scientists from each of the cooperators’ locations to be held in early FY08.