Daniel J. Kosman PhD

Daniel Kosman

Daniel J. Kosman
PhD

SUNY Distinguished Professor

Department of Biochemistry

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences


Specialty/Research Focus

Membrane Transport (Ion Transport); Metalloenzymes; Neurobiology; Protein Function and Structure; Vitamins and Trace Nutrients

Contact Information
955 Main Street
Office 4227
Lab 4250
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: (716) 829-2317
Fax: (716) 829-2661
camkos@buffalo.edu



Professional Summary:

The long term goal of the research conducted in my lab is to learn about the general principles that organisms use to acquire and metabolize the essential nutrients iron, manganese and copper. Since in eukaryotes, iron metabolism, for example, depends on the activity of copper-containing enzymes called ferroxidases, we examine the trafficking copper in cells as well. In addition, as divalent metal ions, manganese and ferrous iron share many of the same trafficking pathways. The first challenge for a cell is to scavenge these metals from the environment. This is true for a yeast cell in culture, for an epithelial cell in your intestine, an endothelial cell in the capillaries in the brain, or a neuron. The second challenge is to efficiently and correctly partition these metals in the cell for subsequent utilization and storage. Ultimately the cell or organism will have to regulate the accumulation of these metals and to ensure that they are not allowed to roam "free" since all three are toxic.
Yet all are essential micronutrients, as well. They are required in fundamental cellular processes such as cellular respiration in all organisms, and for vital physiologic functions such as oxygen transport in blood and muscle. The brain has a strong requirement for iron and copper to support the elevated energy metabolism needed to support neuronal function; manganese is essential to neurotransmitter synthesis. This essentiality is contrasted by cytotoxicity that results from their strong tendency to generate oxygen radicals which in turn destroy key cellular components. For example, iron uptake into the brain must be tightly regulated, a process we focus in our research. Failure of this regulation can result in a variety of brain pathologies particularly those that result in degeneration of neuronal function. We study in detail the role of the amyloid precursor protein and alpha-synuclein in iron and manganese trafficking and how these functions are related these proteins‘ roles in neurodegenerative disease.

Education and Training:

  • PhD, Chemistry, University of Chicago (1968)
  • BA, Chemistry, Oberlin College (1963)

Employment:

  • Professor, Biochemistry, SUNY at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1981-present)
  • Associate Professor, Biochemistry, SUNY at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1975–1981)
  • Assistant Professor, Biochemistry, SUNY at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1970–1975)

Awards and Honors:

  • Biomedical Sciences Commencement Address (2022)
  • Stockton-Kimball Award (2009)
  • Sustained Achievement Award (2003)

Research Expertise:

  • Iron trafficking in eukaryotes: Iron trafficking in eukaryotes; Iron and neurodegenerative disease; Structure-function in iron and copper trafficking proteins; Metalloproteins, structure and function; Metals and the blood-brain barrier.

Grants and Sponsored Research:

  • August 2017–May 2024
    Ferroportin and APP: Regulation of Iron Trafficking at the Blood-Brain Barrier
    NIDDS
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $1,955,930
  • January 2020–December 2023
    Molecular mechanisms of small molecule iron chelating antioxidants
    Alterity Therapeutics Annual MRSA 2020-2023 Dollar amount below for 2023
    Role: Principal Investigator
    $253,573

Patents:

  • Methods and uses of compounds for direct scavenging of and/or direct reduction of the concentration of one or more reactive oxygen species (ROS), and for therapy of associated diseases. Methods and uses of the compounds for preventing loss of, maintaining, or restoring mitochondrial function, and for therapy of related diseases and disorders. The disclosure also related to uses of the compounds for treating and/or preventing one or more signs of aging. (2023)

Journal Articles:

See all (101 more)

Professional Memberships:

  • ASBMB; Member
  • SBIC; Member
  • Biophysical Society; member
  • BioIron Society; Member

Presentations:

  • "A Basic Science CRO: Molecular cell mechanism of an iron chelator in clinical trials for multiple system atrophy" Invited seminar, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas A&M University (2022)
  • "Basic science as a CRO: Molecular cell mechanisms of an iron chelator in clinical trials for multiple system atrophy" Brookhaven National Laboratory (2022)
  • "Calcium as a modulator of transcellular divalent metal ion trafficking" FASEB SRC Trace Elements in Biology and Medicine (2022)

Service Activities:

  • AHA Pre and Post Doctoral Fellowship review; Fellowship Review Member (2023)
  • Metalloproteins Panel, NSF-CHE; Member (2021–present)
  • IRG ZRG BCMB Member Conflicts; Chair (2020–present)
  • CounterACT IRG, ZRG1 MDCN-B(50) and (54); Member (2020–present)
  • Departmental Promotions Committee; Member (2020–2021)

School News:

In the Media:


Clinical Specialties:

Clinical Offices:

Insurance Accepted:



Contact Information

955 Main Street
Office 4227
Lab 4250
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: (716) 829-2317
Fax: (716) 829-2661
camkos@buffalo.edu