REGULATION AND NOVEL FUNCTIONS OF INDOLEAMINE 2,3-DIOXYGENASE

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We are studying a protein important in the host's response to infections. The expression of this protein which degrades the least abundant of all essential amino acids, is increased dramatically in inflammatory disorders, and plays a role in the control of cell growth. The protein and products produced along the metabolic pathway it induces have many additional interesting properties, similar to those of another pathway. We propose that these two pathways are functionally related and how the protein of interest is regulated. We will test this directly using purified proteins, isolated cells, and animal studies and employing sophisticated techniques ranging from physical chemistry to molecular biology. We will also examine possible new functions of our protein of interest. These studies will allow us to find ways to regulate the protein and this may be relevant to diseases such as infections and the hardening of arteries.