Ph.D. - Kyoto University, Japan, 1973
Research Professor in Molecular and Cell Biology
Laboratory of Molecular Growth Regulation
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
NICHHD/NIH
9000 Rockville Pike
Bldg.6, Rm 2A01
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: (301)-496-9184
E-mail: ozatok@dir6.nichd.nih.gov
Research Interests: Gene regulation in the immune system.
Our interest is the role of cytokines and retinoid/vitamins in controlling transcription of genes active in the immune system. RXR and RAR, transcription factors belonging to the nuclear hormone receptors bind to retinoids and affect differentiation and apoptosis of immune cells. Recent evidence indicates that these factors interact with a component of the general transcription factors TFIIB, as well as with P/CAF, a histone acetylase. Functional significance of these interactions for immune responses is being investigated. Previously we have cloned ICSBP, that is expressed only in the immune system and that regulates interferon mediated gene expression. The recent analysis of ICSBP knock-out mice indicates that the ICSBP gene is involved in host defense against viral, bacterial and parasite infection. Efforts are under way to determine defects in macrophage functions in the ICSBP knock-out mice.
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