Grant: Operating Grant

Iron is essential for life. Iron is required for the normal functioning of cells and for the generation of energy to power various activities within cells. However, iron can also generate toxic substances called 'free radicals' that can damage cells. Although iron accumulation results in free-radical-mediated cell death, lack of iron can also lead to cell death. In the nervous system, iron is required for the survival and functioning of nerve cells; and for the formation of myelin, which is the insulating material that surrounds nerve fibers, which is essential for proper conduction of nerve impulses. How iron is delivered to different cell types in the nervous system is still not fully understood. The aim of this proposal is to study the role of a molecule called ferroportin that transports iron out of cells in the nervous system. In particular to study the role of ferroportin in health, injury and disease of the nervous system. This work has important implications for diseases such as multiple sclerosis, for damage following spinal cord and brain injury, and for regeneration of nerve fibers after damage.