Geoffrey Hart

Center for Immunology
Department of Lab Medicine & Pathology
University of Minnesota
MMC 334
420 Delaware St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Lab: 612/625-1626
Fax: 612/625-2199

email: hart0792@umn.edu

Education

B.S., Biochemistry, Bates College, Lewiston, ME 2002

Current Research

The transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) is critical for normal T-cell development and lack of KLF2 limits T-cell egress from the thymus. Once T-cells are mature, they express sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1P1) allowing them to leave the thymus, and KLF2 has been shown to both directly bind to the S1P1 promoter and affect its gene expression. KLF2 and S1P1 have also been shown to affect other molecules, such as CD62L and CD69, that alter trafficking in and out of secondary lymphoid tissues. Once T-cells leave the thymus, however, it is unclear whether KLF2 affects T-cell trafficking, homeostasis, and memory formation. An inducible KLF2 knock out mouse model was analyzed in which KLF2 could be deleted following T cell development and thymic egress. The effects on T cell phenotype and T cell response are discussed.

Publications