Proteins that control iron in the body and brain
Deciphering the Structures and Mechanisms of Metalloproteins Involved in Human Iron Homeostasis
This project aims to understand how proteins that move and store iron work, with a focus on changes that matter for people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319821 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will determine the shapes and actions of metal-binding proteins that control iron levels in human cells, including membrane transporters such as ferroportin. They will use structural biology methods, biochemical experiments, and cell-based models to see how these proteins bind, transport, and regulate iron. The team will connect these molecular findings to known features of Alzheimer’s disease, such as amyloid plaques and iron accumulation in affected brain regions. Findings are intended to point toward possible targets for future drugs or diagnostic tests related to iron imbalance in neurodegeneration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease—especially those in early stages or willing to donate blood or tissue samples for research—would be most relevant for related human studies.
Not a fit: Patients without neurodegenerative disease or those seeking an immediate clinical therapy are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to detect or treat Alzheimer's by correcting harmful iron imbalances in the brain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked iron accumulation to neurodegeneration, but translating structural and mechanistic findings into proven treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
West Lafayette, United States
- Purdue University — West Lafayette, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tian, Shiliang — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Tian, Shiliang
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.