Investigating the Role of Iron in Health and Disease

Faculty Bio

Dr. Fadi Bou-Abdallah is a dedicated biomedical researcher whose work centers on the vital role of iron in health and disease. With a focus on ironbinding, iron-transport, and iron-storage proteins, Dr. Bou-Abdallah explores the molecular mechanisms that govern iron regulation in the human body and their implications in neurodegenerative diseases and iron-related disorders. His interdisciplinary research combines biochemical, biophysical, structural, and cellular approaches to uncover how iron dis-regulation intersects with conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, and cancer. Through national and international collaborations, Dr. Bou-Abdallah is committed to advancing scientific knowledge while mentoring undergraduate students in applied and career-building research experiences that emphasize innovation and therapeutic discoveries.

Project Overview

Iron is essential for life, but too much or too little of it can lead to serious diseases. This project explores how cells in the human body maintain a delicate balance of iron through specialized proteins (such as ferritin, NCOA4, and PCBP1) that are involved in iron uptake, delivery and/or storage. We aim to understand the molecular basis of these processes with the hope of developing treatments for iron-related disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Using advanced lab techniques, and in collaboration with national and international research groups, our work lays the foundation for key discoveries and potential therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring iron balance and enhancing human health.