Center of Excellence in Molecular Hematology

The Center of Excellence in Molecular Hematology (CEMH) at the University of Utah School of Medicine is centered on metabolism of metals and the biosynthesis of heme. The investigators have a focus on iron, copper, zinc and the tetrapyrroles synthesis in both normal and disease states.

Together these investigators will use genetic and biochemical approaches to study diverse mechanisms, including homeostasis uptake, transport, and cellular distribution. Model systems in yeast, zebra fish, worms and mouse are all being exploited by this group of investigators to identify genes and pathways involved in heme and metal metabolism. Results from these model systems will be used to test clinical hypotheses.

The CEMH is supporting pilot projects that take advantage of the great strengths in genetic analysis, metal physiology and structural biology of enzymes in the heme biosynthetic pathway.