Laboratory of Immunology |
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Nan-Ping Weng, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Investigator Lymphocyte Differentiation Section |
![]() Research Interests: The research interests of this laboratory are focused on two areas: (1) molecular and cellular mechanisms of memory T cell generation and maintenance and (2) roles of telomere and telomerase in lymphocyte lifespan and aging. In order to study the molecular features of memory T cells, we have developed lymphocyte-specific human and mouse cDNA microarray gene filters and analyzed general gene expression profiles of naïve, effector, and memory T cells in both human and mouse. These analyses lead to the identification of genes that are differentially expressed in naïve, effector, and memory T cells as well the kinetic changes in gene expression during naïve CD4 T cell activation. Our findings provide a starting point for elucidating the contribution of various differentially expressed genes in the process of memory T cell formation and maintenance. Telomeres and telomerase are the key components that regulate cellular replicative lifespan. Recently, we have analyzed telomere length in naïve and memory B cells with age, and the expression of natural telomeric genes in human fibroblasts and T cells. Our results demonstrate that there is no simple correlation between telomere length and expression of telomeric genes. Currently, we are characterizing the functions of differentially expressed genes in memory T cells, and determining the mechanisms of telomerase regulation and function in lymphocytes. |
Contact Information: Laboratory of Immunology Biomedical Research Center, room 08C232 251 Bayview Boulevard, Suite 100 Baltimore, MD 21224-6825 Phone 410-558-8341 Fax 410-558-8284 E mail wengn@grc.nia.nih.gov For more information about the Laboratory: http://www.grc.nia.nih.gov/branches/li/ldu.htm |
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