The role of the GATA transcription factors in the development and function of mast cells in asthma.

A conditional GATA knock-out will be induced in mastcells by using Cre/loxP technology. In vitro experiments will define the expression pattern of Gata-genes en their regulators during development of mast cells and the effect og gata-deficiency on the development and funtion of mastcells. In vivoo experiments will define the effects of GATA-deficiency in a mousemodel of asthma.