How heme (the iron-containing molecule) moves and signals inside cells
Illuminating Heme Trafficking and Signaling Pathways in Health and Disease
This project explores how the iron-containing molecule heme travels inside cells and what that means for people with infections or diseases linked to heme.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306604 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use new fluorescent sensors the team developed to watch heme move inside living cells. They will compare heme handling in human-derived cell lines, baker's yeast, and microbes that cause infections such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida albicans. The work combines genetics, chemistry, biophysics, and advanced imaging to map where heme goes and how it sends signals. The goal is to identify the molecules that move and control heme so they can be studied as possible targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with infections like tuberculosis or Candida, or those with disorders of heme metabolism, would be the most relevant candidates for future clinical follow-up of this work.
Not a fit: Individuals without heme-related conditions or not affected by the studied infections are unlikely to directly benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal targets for new treatments or diagnostics for infections and diseases caused by abnormal heme handling.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on recently developed genetically encoded fluorescent heme sensors—an emerging and promising approach that has produced useful lab results but limited direct clinical outcomes so far.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Georgia Institute of Technology — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reddi, Amit Ram — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Reddi, Amit Ram
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.