Project Number: 1950-51520-009-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: May 01, 2004
End Date: Apr 30, 2009

Objective:
Identification of risk factors of low calcium absorption in humans. Determination of molecular mediators of Vitamin D-mediated calcium transport in Caco-2 cells, a human intestinal cell line.

Approach:
The primary approach is the determination of the role of intestinal resistance to the hormonal actions of vitamin D on calcium absorption. We intend to pursue this goal by studying elderly humans, as well as aged rodents, which provide a good experimental model of aging and changes in vitamin D-mediated calcium absorption. In addition, we are working to identify key molecular determinants of vitamin D action and cellular calcium transport in the gut and assessing their functional importance using various recombinant DNA technologies in Caco-2 cells, a human intestinal cell line. The expected outcome of this comprehensive approach is to gain a better understanding of ways to optimize dietary intakes to promote better health and reduce the costly burdens of osteoporosis.