Bozho Todorich, a student in the M.D./Ph.D. program at Penn State College of Medicine, has received the 2011 Marian Kies Award from the American Society for Neurochemistry.
This national, highly competitive award is presented to a young scientist for an outstanding graduate doctoral thesis in the field of neurochemistry. Todorich received his doctorate in cell and molecular biology in the laboratory of James R. Connor.
Todorich’s thesis focused on understanding iron metabolism during brain development in cells called oligodendrocytes, and particularly, the role of iron in the formation of myelin, a substance that forms around nerve fibers that allows brain cells to communicate with each other effectively. Todorich identified a receptor for the protein ferritin that stores iron and delivers it to oligodendrocyte cells. Iron is essential for proper oligodendrocyte development and brain function.
Iron deficiency affects billions worldwide. Todorich’s research provided data that can be useful for devising iron supplementation in iron deficient children. Todorich’s findings may also have implications for myelin loss that occurs in multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects 350,000 young people in the United States.
“It is a very exciting and humbling honor, especially considering the caliber of past recipients,” Todorich said. “In addition, it is a great opportunity to organize a symposium at the annual national meeting of the society, and invite prominent physicians and scientists to discuss research and exchange ideas.” Todorich will continue his work and training as a resident at Duke University.
Marian Kies was a scientist who dedicated her life to investigating oligodendrocyte development, myelin production and brain function. The award is given in her honor for outstanding contribution to the field.