Mitochondria's role in how red blood cells finish maturing and lose their nucleus
Mitochondria in the Regulation of Terminal Erythropoiesis
Researchers are looking at how mitochondria and outside pyruvate help developing red blood cells finish maturing, which could matter for people with blood disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247044 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies lab-grown red blood cell precursors to see how mitochondrial activities control the final maturation steps and the normal loss of the cell nucleus (enucleation). The team found that providing pyruvate from outside the cell helps mitochondria and supports enucleation, and they are now exploring mitochondrial functions and clearance pathways that coordinate maturation. Methods include cell biology experiments, genetic and biochemical tests, and tracking mitochondrial behavior during differentiation. The aim is to understand basic steps so new therapies or improved lab production of red blood cells can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited or acquired disorders of red blood cell production (for example certain anemias or dyserythropoietic conditions) or healthy donors willing to provide blood samples would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People with blood problems unrelated to red blood cell production (such as primary clotting disorders) or those requiring urgent clinical care are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for some anemias and better laboratory methods to produce red blood cells for transfusion.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory work, including from this group, has shown mitochondria influence enucleation and that added pyruvate can help in cell models, but moving these findings into patient treatments is still novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghaffari, Saghi — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Ghaffari, Saghi
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.