Joy J. Winzerling

College of Agriculture
and Life Sciences
Department of Nutritional Sciences

Joy J. Winzerling, Associate Professor
Tel: (520) 626-2285
Fax: (520) 621-6449
Email: winzerling@ag.arizona.edu

Education:
Ph.D. Nutritional Science. University of Arizona. M.S. Agricultural Biochemistry. University of Arizona. B.S. Biological Sciences. University of Arizona. R.D. Registered Dietitian. Internship: Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, AZ.

Principal Academic Activities:

Instructor: Introduction to Diet Therapy (NSC 340)

Mineral Metabolism (NSC 622)

Research Activities:

Iron Metabolism in Mammals and Insects.

We are specifically interested in the effects of iron loading on intracellular iron metabolism and the promotion of cellular oxidative damage in various species and in human disease. Proteins involved in mammalian iron metabolism include transferrin, transferrin receptors, ferritin, and iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1). We are working with Dr. Pamela Kling, M.D., University of Arizona Medical Center, examining the effects of iron loading via erythrocyte transfusions on the levels of these proteins in the plasma and blood cells of premature infants. A second area of clinical reseach we have initiated is the study of the effects of iron particulates, free radicals and related compounds in air pollution and cigarette smoke on oxidative damage of human lung cells.

In addition to the work in humans, we have isolated and sequenced insect transferrins, ferritins and IRP1s from mosquitos and moths; these insect proteins are are similar to those of mammals. We are in the process of evaluating Manduca sexta as a potential biological model that will allow us to conduct whole animal studies to evaluate the effects of iron overload on iron metabolism. We also are studying the adaption of Aedes aegypti to iron loading provided during blood feeding. Increased knowledge of iron metabolism in blood- feeding insects that act as disease vectors could suggest new strategies for vector or infectious agent control.

Peer-reviewed Publications Originating from Research
	• Manduca sexta IRP1: Molecular characterization and in vivo IRP1/IRE binding activity in response to iron. Dianzheng Zhang, Cara Ferris, Pete Kohlhepp and Joy J. Winzerling. (2001) Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 32:85-96.

	• A linear iron-sulfur cluster in human IRP1. Jhrgen Gailer, Graham M. George, Ingrid E. Pickering, F. Ann Walker and Joy J. Winzerling. (2001) Journal of the American Chemical Society, 123(41):10121-2.

	• Iron deficient erythropoiesis in premature infants measured by blood zinc protoporphyrin/heme. Joy J. Winzerling and Pamela J. Kling. (2001) Journal of Pediatrics, 139: 134-136.

	• Iron Metabolism in Insects. Helen Nichol, John H. Law and Joy J. Winzerling. (2002) Annu Rev Entomol., 47: 535-59.

	• Repression of Manduca sexta ferritin synthesis by IRP1/IRE Interaction. Dianzheng Zhang, David W. Albert, Pete Kohlhepp, Daphne Q.D. Pham, and Joy. J. Winzerling. (2002) Insect Molecular Biology,

	• Molecular characterization of two mosquito iron regulatory proteins. Dianzheng Zhang, George Dimopoulos, Anna Wolf, Belen Minana, Fotis C. Kafatos and Joy J. Winzerling. (2002)Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

	• Cloning, sequencing and expression of RNR R1 and R2 in mosquito. Daphne Q.D. Pham, Beata Bluchuta, Helen Nichol and Joy J. Winzerling. (2002) Accepted for publication in Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In press.

	• Iron regulation of natural insect cap-distal iron responsive elements. Helen Nichol and Joy J. Winzerling. (2002) Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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