Project 3
Sensitive Genotypes
Project Investigator: Rick Finnell
Research in project 4 is investigating genetic susceptibility to environmentally-induced orofacial clefts (OFCs) and neural tube defects (NTDs) using two transgenic mouse models.Knockout mouse models lacking either a functional folate binding protein receptor (FBP-1) or a functional Ah receptor are being used to test critical hypotheses concerning the role of susceptible genotypes on the development of environmentally-induced congenital malformations.
Using the FBP-1 mice they are testing the hypothesis that elevated levels of homocysteine cause OFCs and/or NTDs in the absence of folate depletion, especially when the embryo is exposed in utero to environmental tox-icants. Additionally, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) knockout mouse, which is resistant to aromatic hydro-carbon (TCDD) induced toxicity, is being used to examine genetic susceptibility to environmentally-induced birth defects. Environmental con-taminants widely found in Texas' Rio Grande Valley as well as in the immediate environs of Sumqayit, Azer-baijan are being used.
Highlights