Class of 2007 Abstract / Objectives: To characterize the difference in hepatic gene expression between Cyp2e1 +/+ and Cyp2e1 -/- mice after exposure to hydrazine in order to elucidate the functional pathway(s) for hydrazine-induced steatosis. Methods: The project was designed by Dr. Charlene McQueen and consisted of the following aims: (1) to characterize the hepatic pathology induced by hydrazine in CYP2E1 +/+ and -/- mice, (2) to evaluate hepatic gene expression profiles following exposure to hydrazine, and (3) to determine the expression of CYP2E1 and CYP4A14. The animal exposure and data collection have been completed and aim #2 is awaiting data analysis. Aim #2 consisted of treating CYP2E1 +/+ and CYP2E1 -/- mice to saline and hydrazine at doses of 100 mg/kg. Livers were collected at six and 24 hours and the mRNA was isolated with an Absolutely RNA RT-PCR Miniprep Kit. The transcriptome was determined using the Affymetrix GeneChip Expression Analysis System using total mouse genome GeneChips. The GeneChips were scanned using an Agilent GeneArray Scanner and the image was quantitated and archived awaiting data analysis. The data was collected by the SWEHSC Microarray Facility on June 20, 2005 was analyzed. The data analysis was completed by both Kristjon Lindgren and Dana Seng with the help and training from Dr. George Watts. The six sets of data from aim #2 was analyzed using Agilent's GeneSpring 7.3.1 software to characterize the two-fold differences in mice (n = 2 per group) hepatic gene expression. Genes of interest were identified as containing the keywords cyp, fatty, glutathione, hepat, lipid, liver, oxid, perox, steroid, and phosphatidylinositol in the Gene Ontology Biological Process, Cellular Component, or Molecular Function descriptions. Lastly, pathway mining of/for genes of interest was performed using Bioresource for array of genes (BioRag) available at www.biorag.org and maintained by the AzCC/SWEHSC Bioinformatics Facility. Results: The amount of information extracted from this research project is too immense to be described or summarized on this form. For more information, please obtain a copy of this research project from the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy or from the project co-authors Kristjon Lindgren (kristjon.lindgren@gmail.com) or Dana Seng (dana.seng@gmail.com). Conclusions: The effects of Cyp2e1 on hepatic gene expression in 129/Sv-Cyp2e1tm1Gonz/J and 129S1/SvImJ mice exposed to hydrazine was analyzed. Data showing that Cyp2e1 was protective against HD-induced hepatotoxicity was consistent with the proposed hypothesis. Hepatic gene expression results show that Cyp2e1 -/- mice have decreased expression of microsomal ω-oxidation genes (Cyp4a10 and Cyp4a14) compared to Cyp2e1 +/+ at 6h (both increased at 24h) and peroxisomal β–oxidation genes (Ehhadh) at 6h like Cyp2e1 +/+ (but increased at 24h only in Cyp2e1 -/-). Conversely, an increased expression of mitochondrial β-oxidation genes (Cpt1a) in both genotypes at 6 and 24h and cholesterol synthesis genes (Fdft1, Hmgcr, Hmgcs1, Idi, Lss, Mvk, Nsdhl, Sc4mol, and Sqle) in Cyp2e1 -/- at 24h was observed. These results support mechanisms by which ω-oxidation or PPARγ is protective or peroxisomal β- oxidation is damaging. Additional studies are needed to further eludidate the mechanisms of HD-induced steatosis.