# Harmful effects of transfusion-induced iron overload

> **NIH NIH R21** · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2020 · $202,500

## Abstract

The overall goal of this research is to determine how transfusion-induced iron overload affects hematopoietic
stem cell transplant (HSCT) outcomes. HSCT is the only cure for multiple malignant and nonmalignant
conditions; however, its use is limited by significant morbidity and mortality. Iron overload is common in
patients undergoing HSCT, and in observational human studies, transfusion-induced iron overload is a risk
factor for poor HSCT outcome. Our preliminary data implicates iron-mediated changes to gut microbiota as a
modifiable therapeutic target in the peri-transplant period. Recent studies show that modulating the microbiome
of mice and pediatric patients undergoing allogenic HSCT decreases the adverse effects associated with this
treatment. Thus, to connect iron-mediated effects on gut microbiota with HSCT outcomes, we will expand upon
our preliminary results to further characterize the effects of transfusion-induced iron overload on the bone
marrow microenvironment and the gut microbiota.
In Aim #1, we will test the hypothesis that transfusion-induced iron overload disrupts the bone marrow
microenvironment by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the supporting cells of the niche. In Aim #2,
we will test the hypothesis that the gut microbiota affect the response of the bone marrow niche to iron
overload and hematopoietic recovery following HSCT. This will provide evidence for a relationship between
iron and the gut microbiome in mediating HSCT outcome, and determining the contribution of specific microbial
products to the relevant underlying mechanism(s). This research will lead to innovative and eminently
translatable approaches for improving HSCT outcome in the setting of iron overload, in conjunction with
improving our understanding of host-microbiome interactions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9841995
- **Project number:** 5R21HL145319-02
- **Recipient organization:** COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Eldad Arie Hod
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $202,500
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-01-01 → 2020-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9841995

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9841995, Harmful effects of transfusion-induced iron overload (5R21HL145319-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9841995. Licensed CC0.

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