Dr. Yatrik Shan

Seminar Details

Host: Dr. Vishal Gohil

Time: 4:00-5:00pm

Location: BICH Rm 108

Seminar Abstract

Iron is a central mediator of cellular metabolism, governing mitochondrial function, redox balance, and oxygen sensing. Its ability to coordinate with oxygen enables critical bioenergetic and biosynthetic processes, yet dysregulation of iron homeostasis disrupts metabolic stability and drives pathological states, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our research elucidates the molecular circuits that regulate iron storage, transport, and utilization, with a particular focus on ferritin dynamics, iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis, and mitochondrial iron trafficking. We investigate how iron-oxygen interactions modulate enzymatic activity, influence metabolic flux, and integrate with hypoxia-inducible pathways to maintain cellular homeostasis. Furthermore, we explore how gut microbiota and dietary factors shape systemic iron availability, impacting immune responses and disease progression. Using genetic models, metabolomics, and transcriptomics, we aim to uncover iron-dependent metabolic vulnerabilities that can be therapeutically targeted in cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases.