The long term research goal of the Principal Investigator (PI) is to establish an internationally recognized research program in the immunobiology of aging using genetically altered mouse models.
The specific aims of this proposal are: 1) Provide the salary support and infrastructure to allow the PI a significant increase (50 percent) in effort in mouse pathobiology research. This will necessitate being relieved of time consuming laboratory animal medicine and management obligations, and allow enhanced investigation into the biology of aging, using genetically engineered mouse models; 2) Investigate the role of PKR protein kinase pathway genes in the biology of aging, especially of the immune system, in genetically altered mouse models. The research hypothesis is that the PKR regulatory pathway is a generalized response system for environmental stress, including viruses and free radicals, and is an attempt to conserve cellular resources. Several mouse models are currently available to pursue studies such as the association between PKR expression and translation-associated T cell senescence and proliferation, increased resistance to influenza infection associated with aging, and significance of transcriptional activation of age- related immune dysfunction and inflammation; 3) Characterize genetically altered mouse models of aging, especially in the area of immunobiology, with a focus on mentoring trainees in mouse pathobiology. A vast array of specialized mouse phenotyping expertise and resources are available for pursuing the research goals and providing training to new investigators. This award will relieve the PI from time consuming service obligations and administrative responsibilities, thereby increasing the opportunities for enhancing a research program in the biology of aging, and for mentoring the next generation of mouse pathobiologists.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Midcareer Investigator Award in Biomedical and Behavioral Research (K26)
Project #
5K26AG001057-03
Application #
6532465
Study Section
National Center for Research Resources Initial Review Group (RIRG)
Program Officer
Nadon, Nancy L
Project Start
2000-08-01
Project End
2005-07-31
Budget Start
2002-08-01
Budget End
2003-07-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$83,960
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Washington
Department
Veterinary Sciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
135646524
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195
Treuting, P M; Hopkins, H C; Ware, C A et al. (2002) Generation of genetically altered mouse models for aging studies. Exp Mol Pathol 72:49-55