| Affiliations: | |
| Project Leader: | Yating Cheng ycheng@cvm.tamu.edu |
| Faculty Mentor: | Stephen Safe, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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Summer 2016 (complete) |
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Team Size:
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3 (Team Full) |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Team Needs:
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Previous laboratory experience is not required, and all science-relate majors are welcome. |
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Description:
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The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that was initially identified as the intracellular protein that bound the environmental toxicant 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), related halogenated aromatics, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The AhR also binds structurally and functionally diverse ligands, such as phytochemical, microbial metabolites and endogenous metabolites. AhR plays an essential role in various tissues and is a critical regulator of inflammation, autoimmune and immune responses and is a potential drug target for treating multiple diseases including cancer. 1, 4-Dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (DHNA) is a bacteria-derived AhR agonist. In this project, we will use nontransformed young adult mouse colonocyte (YAMC) cells (kindly provided by Dr. Chapkin) to test the AhR-dependent anti-inflammatory activity of DHNA and DHNA derivatives. To reveal whether their effects are AhR-dependent, we will initially investigate the AhR activity induced by DHNA and derivatives, including 1-hydroxyl 2-naphthoic acid, 4-hydroxyl 2-naphthoic acid via measuring the induction of Cyp1a1 mRNA expression. In this project, the team will have the opportunity toc culture mouse hybridoma cells, treat cells with chemicals, extract RNA and perform RT-PCR. The functional gens such as inflammation related genes such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 will also be investigated. |