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Glen K. Andrews
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Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, Ph.D., 1978; University of Calgary School of Medicine, Alberta, Canada (National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Fellow); National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (Senior Staff Fellow)
The overall objective of my research program is to understand mechanisms that regulate the metabolism of essential and toxic metals in mammals. Specifically, we are interested in understanding the mechanism controlling homeostasis of the essential metal zinc, and in understanding how the toxic metal cadmium regulates the expression of protective genes. Three major research projects are underway in my laboratory. The first is designed to elucidate structure-function relationships in the transcription factor MTF-1. This metal-sensing protein regulates the expression of genes that protect the organism against metal toxicity and oxidative stresses. A second project is designed to elucidate the structure, function and mechanisms of regulation of a subfamily of zinc transporter genes (ZIP1-3). We are employing gene knockout methodologies in mice, as well as molecular and biochemical approaches to address the roles of these genes in zinc metabolism. The third project is designed to create a mouse model of the human genetic disorder of zinc metabolism Acrodermatitis enteropathica. This genetic disease is caused by mutations in another zinc transporter gene (ZIP4), and we are exploring its structure, function and regulation.
