Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Iron and zinc are essential trace metals crucial for development and survival. My proposed research is to improve our understanding of the homeostatic regulation and the neuropathophysiology of these trace metals in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Specifically, we will examine the molecular pathways that are involved in regulating the transport and systemic handling of iron and zinc, the interactions of metals for absorption, and the mechanisms underlying their effects on the neurophysiology in zebrafish. Our research will reveal the functional significance of specific metal transporters and will advance our fundamental understanding of how fish maintain metal balance. This information will also shed new light on understanding how fish adapt to environments with different levels of metals. As zebrafish are increasingly being used as a model for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders in humans, our research will also provide valuable information for neurological disease modeling associated with iron or zinc imbalances, such as Parkinson's disease. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms of how fish regulate metal balance will have broad applications, including improving aquaculture practices (e.g., optimization of husbandry conditions), performing ecological risk assessments, and tackling challenges posed by water quality degradation.