Grantee Research Project Results
Genetic Susceptibility to Inhaled Particles and Gases
EPA Grant Number: U915783Title: Genetic Susceptibility to Inhaled Particles and Gases
Investigators: Wesselkamper, Scott C.
Institution: New York University School of Medicine
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: September 1, 2000 through September 1, 2002
Project Amount: $102,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2000) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Fellowship - Life Sciences , Biology/Life Sciences , Academic Fellowships
Objective:
The objective of this research project is to determine host genetic determinants that control the development of pulmonary tolerance to repeated inhaled toxicant exposure.
Approach:
Several approaches are being used to identify genes involved in the development of tolerance. First, it has been demonstrated that inbred strains of mice differ significantly in their ability to develop pulmonary tolerance to inhaled zinc oxide (ZnO, 1 mg/m3). Specifically, the BALB/cByJ (tolerant) and DBA/2J (non-tolerant) inbred mouse strains were determined to be the most contrasting with respect to lung inflammation and injury following single and five successive exposures to ZnO. Quantitative trait linkage analyses with intercross offspring from these two strains are being used to identify chromosomal regions that contain candidate genes involved in tolerance. This quantitative trait linkage data will then be used in conjunction with oligonucleotide microarray experiments to characterize the expression of and identify potential candidate genes present in the chromosomal regions of interest.
Expected Results:
An understanding of the genetic basis for inter-individual variation in response to repeated exposure to inhaled toxicants will clarify the molecular mechanism(s) of host response and provide a potential means to identify genetically susceptible individuals, who may be at risk to adverse health effects from inhalation exposures.
Supplemental Keywords:
zinc oxide, tolerance, genetic susceptibility, environmental genetics., Health, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Susceptibility/Sensitive Population/Genetic Susceptibility, Health Risk Assessment, Biology, genetic susceptability, Molecular Biology/Genetics, Genetics, genetic predisposition, zinc oxide, genetic research, respiratory illness, exposure, inhaled particles, environmental genetics, human susceptibilityProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.