Understanding How Our Bodies Balance Iron
Roles of Neogenin and Matriptase-2 in Iron Homeostasis
This research explores how our bodies manage iron levels, which is important for common conditions like iron overload and anemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172671 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies need to carefully balance iron, and this balance is controlled by a key hormone called hepcidin. This project looks at specific proteins, like neogenin and matriptase-2, that either encourage or suppress hepcidin production. We want to understand how these proteins work together with other important molecules to keep iron levels healthy. By learning more about these processes, we hope to uncover why some people develop conditions like too much iron or not enough. This foundational work aims to clarify the precise mechanisms of iron regulation in the body.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to help those affected by iron overload disorders or iron-restricted anemia in the future.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by iron overload or iron-restricted anemia would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat or prevent iron overload disorders and iron-restricted anemia by targeting the body's iron regulation system.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of hepcidin in iron homeostasis is well-documented, the precise mechanisms involving neogenin and matriptase-2 are still being uncovered, making this a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, an-Sheng — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, an-Sheng
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.