The metallochemistry and molecular biology of iron converge in the study of ferritin structure and function. Ferritin is an iron binding protein whose regulation, once thought to be responsive only to changes in cellular iron content, has more recently been shown to be targeted by stress-induced stimuli, including cytokines, oxidants, and a range of xenobiotics. We now know that agents such as tumor necrosis factor, reactive oxygen species, and other stimuli trigger ferritin induction; ferritin, in turn, alters cellular iron homeostasis by sequestering reactive, """"""""low molecular weight"""""""" cellular iron. This in turn reduces susceptibility to subsequent stress. In this proposal we explore the hypothesis that ferritin regulation is instrumental in modulating the magnitude and character of the cellular response to injury and stress. We examine the unique contribution of ferritin to the phenotype of cells and tissues exposed to prooxidants and antioxidants. In our first Specific Aim, we explore the molecular mechanisms by which ferritin participates in the chemopreventive response to prooxidant xenobiotics. In our second Specific Aim, we explore potential pathways by which oxidative stress regulates ferritin in health and disease. In our third Specific Aim, we develop in vivo mouse models to test the relevance of our findings in the context of whole animals.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
5R37DK042412-16
Application #
6618046
Study Section
Metallobiochemistry Study Section (BMT)
Program Officer
Badman, David G
Project Start
1989-09-01
Project End
2006-04-30
Budget Start
2003-08-01
Budget End
2004-04-30
Support Year
16
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$342,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
937727907
City
Winston-Salem
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27157
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