Researchers' Proposals

ALLERGY GENOMICS AND HISTAMINE, LESSONS FROM A KNOCK-OUT MICE

Genomics in allergic dieseases provides an entirely novel approach in

diagnostics and research. Using "in silico" database search we found

some not yet characterized genetic variations in the genes encoding

molecules with critical role in allergic response, such as histamine

receptors and enzymes involved in histamine metabolism. Histamine is a

general biogen amine, playing multiple role not only in allergy and

inflammation, but also in several physiological and pathological

processes including cell differentiation, proliferation and in tumors.

Histamine is synthetised by histidine decarboxylase (HDC). We

generated a HDC "knock-out" mouse strain and characterized its

phenotypes by immunological, molecular and genomical methods. This

model provides further evidences on the significance of low molecular

weight compounds establishing "metabolome".