The goal of the proposed research is to understand the transcriptional regulation of PGHS-1 during megakaryocytopoiesis. PGHS-1 catalyzes the committed step in the synthesis of thromboxane A2, a potent mediator of platelet aggregation. Platelet PGHS-1 is a major pharmacological target for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, very little is known about the regulation of PGHS-1 gene expression. Promoter reporter assays suggest that distal control elements are important for inducible PGHS-1 gene expression in a megakaryocytic cell line. Further examination of PGHS-1 gene regulation will be approached in several megakaryocytic cell lines induced to differentiate with phorbol ester or primary cytokines.
The specific aims are: 1) to identify cis- and trans-elements involved in regulating PGHS-1 gene transcription using a combination of in vitro assays; 2) to characterize the importance of cis regulatory elements through functional and in vivo analysis; and 3) to determine if identified regulatory cis-elements and flanking gene sequence are necessary for full inducible expression of a transgenic PGHS-1 construct in a megakaryocytic cell line. Novel information of PGHS-1 gene regulation will further our understanding of the biochemical differences between PGHS-1 and its isoform PGHS-2. These studies may lead to more effective therapeutic targeting in the areas of thrombosis and other diseases in which PGHS-1 has been implicated.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32HL075993-02
Application #
7007259
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F05 (20))
Program Officer
Mondoro, Traci
Project Start
2005-01-01
Project End
2006-12-31
Budget Start
2006-01-01
Budget End
2006-12-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$52,048
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
073133571
City
Ann Arbor
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48109