Construction of an arteriosclerosis assessment system using genetically modified cells and animals, and drug development

为了阐明维生素D在防治动脉粥样硬化中的作用，我们建立了维生素D受体(VDR)基因敲除小鼠或维生素D代谢激活酶、CYP27B1基因敲除小鼠，并利用上述细胞和动物构建了评价系统。我们发现了一种新的人类维生素K生物合成酶UBIAD1，并构建了细胞水平的评估系统，以阐明维生素K在预防和治疗动脉硬化中的作用。

To elucidate the role of vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of arteriosclerosis, we have generated vitamin D receptor(VDR) gene knockout mice or vitamin D metabolically activating enzyme, CYP27B1 gene knockout mice together with the cells possessing genetically modified VDR or CYP27B1 gene, and have constructed an assessment system using the above cells and animals. We have found a novel human vitamin K biosynthesis enzyme, UBIAD1 and have constructed an assessment system at cellular level for the elucidation of the role of vitamin K in the prevention and treatment of arteriosclerosis.