Our lab is interested in the interplay between iron metabolism and development. Using an innovative multidisciplinary approach using multiple model systems (mouse, zebrafish, yeast and cell biology), we are identifying tissue specific roles of mitochondrial homeostasis proteins that couple iron metabolism with the specific needs of cells, with an eye towards identifying pathological and therapeutic mechanisms of iron dysregulation in specific tissues. Secondly, we are working to interrogate the mechanisms by which iron functions within developmental signalling pathways and cell fate. Lastly, we are actively attempting to identify hematopoietic and iron metabolism adaptations in the pregnant female's bone marrow (using mouse models) as they progress through pregnancy.
- To understand how mitochondrial homeostasis functionally and structurally interacts with iron metabolism to couple iron utilization with the needs of individual cells.
- Understand how iron functions as an effector of cellular development, particularly in tissues that rely heavily on iron/heme such as hepatic and erythroid cells.
- Unravel how pregnant mammals adapt erythroid development and iron metabolism for the needs of a pregnancy.