Gut protein HIF2 and how it controls iron absorption in anemia and iron overload
Control of iron absorption by intestinal HIF2 in iron and hematological disorders
This research looks at whether the gut protein HIF2 and molecules made by gut bacteria change how much iron people absorb, with the goal of helping people with anemia or hereditary hemochromatosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164493 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have anemia or iron overload, this research is examining how the intestine controls iron uptake through a protein called HIF2 and how gut bacteria influence that process. Scientists will study how reduced liver hepcidin and increased ferroportin activity lead to HIF2 activation and a feed‑forward increase in iron absorption. They will also identify which microbial metabolites affect HIF2 levels and how HIF2 selectively turns on iron-related genes. The team will use laboratory models and patient-derived samples to explore whether HIF2 can be safely targeted as a treatment strategy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with iron-deficiency anemia or with hereditary hemochromatosis (genetic iron overload) would be the main groups who could benefit from findings arising from this work.
Not a fit: People whose low or high iron is caused primarily by chronic inflammation, ongoing blood loss, or conditions not related to intestinal iron absorption may not see direct benefit from gut HIF2–targeted strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new drugs or approaches that restore normal iron absorption, helping people with iron-deficiency anemia absorb more iron or people with hereditary hemochromatosis absorb less.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that block HIF2 have shown promise in kidney cancer trials, but applying HIF2 inhibition to treat iron disorders and the role of gut microbial metabolites in this pathway is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Yatrik M — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Shah, Yatrik M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.