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Abstract

Grant Number:	1R43AI053959-01
PI Name:	NYE, STEVEN H.
PI Email:	snye@physiogenix.com
PI Title:
Project Title:	Combinatorial rat panels that genetically screen anthrax

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The recent anthrax-related events have revealed the need to fill gaps in the knowledge base that compromise our response to a bioterrorist attack using Category A pathogens like Bacillus anthracis. As with most biological systems, there is tremendous diversity in response to pathogens. This SBIR Phase I project will test for diversity in host response to anthrax lethal toxin (LeTx). The investigators will identify and incorporate this diversity into a PathoGenix panel to: (1) mimic a genetically diverse, human population as the target in a bioterrorist attack; (2) be used as a sensitive screen for susceptible genotypes; and (3) identify intracellular pathways for therapeutic intervention. First, candidate rat strains will be selected based on the haplotype of anthrax-related genes using in silico tools. Second, in vivo and in vitro susceptibility to anthrax LeTx will be quantified followed by establishment of combinatorial breeding pairs. Third, the effects of LeTx will be measured in the panel, which enables localization of the gene region responsible for resistance or susceptibility. Decoding these data will begin to define the genomic contribution of the host-pathogen relationship. The goal in this project is to validate a new panel of rats for detecting the genetic effects of anthrax LeTx.

Thesaurus Terms:
anthrax, bacterial toxin, combinatorial chemistry, genetic screening, genetic susceptibility, genotype, host organism interaction
Bacillus anthracis, biohazard detection, phenotype
laboratory rat

Institution:	PHYSIOGENIX, INC.
	10437 INNOVATION DR, STE 329
	MILWAUKEE, WI 53226
Fiscal Year:	2003
Department:
Project Start:	03-JUN-2003
Project End:	31-MAY-2004
ICD:	NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
IRG:	ZRG1

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