The synthesis of hemoglobin involves globin chain production, heme-biosynthesis and iron utilization. We have undertaken a genetic approach to understanding the process of hemoglobin production using the zebrafish as a model system. Mutagenesis screens have previously identified five complementation groups of zebrafish mutants with defects in hemoglobin production. In the previous grant period, we isolated the sauternes gene, which encodes ALAS2, the first enzyme in the home-biosynthesis pathway. Mutations in ALAS2 cause congenital sideroblastic anemia in humans, and the zebrafish sau mutant represents an animal model of this disease. We also isolated the ferroportin 1 gene as the defect in the weissherbst mutant. Ferroportin 1 proved to act as the basolateral iron transporter of the gut as well as the placental iron transporter in mammals. Subsequently, it was found that mutations in ferroportin 1 are associated with hemochromatosis in humans. Our studies established the fish system as a means to study human disease and to isolate novel genes. During this new grant period, we will further sequence and characterize the zebrafish globins and establish the structure of the globin loci. We plan to isolate and characterize two newly identified hypochromic mutant genes. A dominant suppressor screen will be done to delineate genes that participate in the ferroportin 1 pathway of iron utilization. A chemical genetics approach will be used to understand hemoglobin production. A library of sixteen thousand compounds will be examined for effects on rescue of our hypochromic mutant phenotypes and another screen will look for chemicals that induce fetal globin gene expression in adults. These pharmaceutical compounds may ameliorate disease conditions in other vertebrates. Our studies should provide a better understanding of the basic biology of hemoglobin production and may have a therapeutic impact on patients with thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and hemochromatosis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01DK053298-06
Application #
6581069
Study Section
Hematology Subcommittee 2 (HEM)
Program Officer
Badman, David G
Project Start
1998-02-01
Project End
2008-01-31
Budget Start
2003-02-01
Budget End
2004-01-31
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$265,393
Indirect Cost
Name
Children's Hospital Boston
Department
Type
DUNS #
076593722
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
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Theodore, Lindsay N; Hagedorn, Elliott J; Cortes, Mauricio et al. (2017) Distinct Roles for Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in Embryonic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Emergence, Migration, and Niche Colonization. Stem Cell Reports 8:1226-1241

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