MANTP

Since its inception in 1993, this training program has been composed of faculty who provide outstanding research training for predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees in a broad array of nutrition-related research areas. MANTP research activities are divided into 5 focus groups. These focus groups foster interactions amongst trainees and trainers to pursue new research approaches in varied systems (e.g. human vs.animal models vs. model systems), work synergistically to augment the research training opportunities for all MANTP members, and remain on the cutting edge with regard to research developments in their focus group area.

Aging. This group focuses on understanding the molecular aspects and organismal consequences of aging.  One focus involves development and analysis of biomarkers of aging to understand how nutrition-based approaches retard the aging process. An ultimate goal is to use nutritional and/or pharmacological interventions to delay aging.
Trainers: Kemnitz, Prolla, Schoeller, Weindruch.

Cell Signaling, Growth and Development: This group is interested in the role of nutrients, nutrient metabolism, endocrine mediators and toxicants (e.g. ethanol) in directing/disrupting growth and differentiation of fetal and adult tissues.
Trainers: Bertics, Clagett-Dame, Groblewski, Ney, Smith.

Fat Soluble Vitamins: This group studies the metabolism/function of vitamins A and D. This includes the actions of vitamin A in heart and brain development; developing methods for assessing human vitamin A status; determining the nutritional efficacy of natural foodstuffs with varying levels of provitamin A carotenoids.  The vitamin D work focuses on mineral metabolism, bone function or cellular differentiation. 
Trainers: Clagett-Dame, Drezner, Smith, Tanumihardjo.

Metabolism and Metabolic Disease: This group studies the etiology of obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases especially diabetes. This includes work focused on the regulation of lipid metabolism in health and disease.  A key goal of this research is to improve treatments for obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases and identifying drug targets for future use.
Trainers: Adams, Attie, Lai, Ntambi, Schoeller.

Mineral Metabolism: This group studies the function, metabolism and homeostatic regulation of minerals. Studies using animal models and model organisms (e.g. yeast) determine the underlying fundamental processes regulating mineral metabolism in health and how they are dysregulated in human disease.
Trainers: Drezner, Eide, Eisenstein, Sunde.