The Central Role of Mitochondria in Red Blood Cells

Human_red_blood_cells

Ferrochelatase in heme biosynthesis Ferrochelatase (FECH) is an enzyme found in mitochondria that adds iron ions (Fe2+) into protoporphyrin to produce heme (Figure 1). This biochemical reaction is critical for cell health.  The process is tightly controlled so that cells produce the amount of heme needed and do not accumulate too much of the heme … Read more

Drug Repurposing: Preventing Blindness with an Antifungal

Macular_degeneration

Benefits of Off-Target Effects There are many FDA-approved medicines. Most have some “off-target” effects, meaning effects that are not those intended for the drug. Sometimes these off-target effects limit the dose of a drug that can be used to treat the intended disease or symptom.  Sometimes these off-target effects are unwanted side effects that the … Read more