Understanding how liver cells manage heme levels
Official title: Mechanisms of Intercellular Heme Homeostasis in Liver
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11094690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how liver cells manage a vital molecule called heme, which is important for many body functions, and it uses a special mouse model to discover new ways these cells get heme from each other, with the goal of finding new treatments for related health problems.
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 start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $530,357 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134783-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who may have conditions affecting heme metabolism or liver function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no liver function issues or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which liver cells maintain proper levels of heme, an essential molecule for various biological functions. It focuses on how heme is transported and regulated within and between cells, particularly in response to the body's needs. The study utilizes a specialized mouse model to explore new pathways of heme acquisition from other cells, aiming to uncover previously unknown aspects of heme homeostasis. By understanding these processes, the research hopes to shed light on potential therapeutic targets for related health issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for conditions related to heme imbalance, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific pathways being investigated are novel, previous research has shown success in understanding cellular transport mechanisms, suggesting potential for breakthroughs in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yasuda, Makiko — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Yasuda, Makiko
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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.