Angelo Azzi, M. D.,
University of Padua, Padua, Italy,
Ph.D., Pathophysiology &
Biochemistry, University of Padua,
Emeritus Professor, University of Bern,
Bern, Switzerland
Scientist, JMUSDA Human
Nutrition Research Center on Aging
E-mail: angelo.azzi@tufts.edu

I am currently working on the molecular mechanism of action of α-tocopheral (Vitamin E, α-T). Our recent work has shown the unique ability of α-T to modulate cell signaling and gene expression. We are focused on identifying the receptor(s) of α-T. At present, a family of proteins has been described (Tocopherol Associated Proteins) that may be important in the intracellular binding and transport of tocopherols. Our data show that small amounts of α-T-phosphate (α-TP) is present in tissues and cells. We hypothesize that this moelcule is the active form of α-T and is responsible for some or all of the molecular changes induced by α-T.