Understanding how mitochondria sense iron and its impact on red blood cell production
Official title: Deciphering a Novel Mechanism for Iron-sensing at Mitochondria and Its Role in Erythropoiesis
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11113835 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called DELE1 helps our bodies sense iron levels and makes hemoglobin in red blood cells, which could lead to better treatments for anemia, so patients can learn more about how iron and hemoglobin work together to improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $485,494 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134341-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113835 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from different forms of anemia, particularly those related to iron deficiency.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with anemia caused by factors unrelated to iron metabolism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a mitochondrial protein called DELE1 in sensing iron levels and its influence on the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells. By exploring how DELE1 activates a key regulator of globin translation in response to iron availability, the study aims to uncover new mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for anemia. Patients may benefit from insights gained about iron regulation and hemoglobin synthesis, which are crucial for addressing various types of anemia. The research employs advanced cellular models to analyze these processes at a molecular level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapies for treating anemia by improving our understanding of iron regulation in red blood cell production.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding iron regulation and its effects on red blood cell production, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
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University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sekine, Shiori — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Sekine, Shiori
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.