Paul Lindahl

Paul A. Lindahl is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Texas A&M University. His research group investigates cellular metal ion trafficking, particularly iron and copper, and their roles in diseases like Friedreich’s Ataxia and hemochromatosis. The lab focuses on labile metal pools (LMPs), which are nonproteinaceous low-molecular-mass complexes involved in metal distribution. Key projects include characterizing LMPs in yeast, bacteria, and mouse models using advanced analytical techniques like Mössbauer spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS).

Educational Background:

• B.A., 1979, North Park College (Chicago, IL)
• Ph.D., 1985, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Postdoctoral Fellow, 1985–1987, University of Minnesota

Research Interests: The lab explores metal trafficking systems in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, emphasizing iron and copper dynamics in mitochondria, vacuoles, and cytosol. Techniques include Mössbauer spectroscopy, LC-ICP-MS, and mathematical modeling. Recent studies address NTBI in hemochromatosis mice, mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster assembly, and copper delivery pathways. The interdisciplinary approach integrates bioinorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and biophysics to bridge molecular mechanisms and disease.

Advising & Grants: Lindahl actively mentors graduate students (e.g., Rachel Shepherd, Joshua Kim) and undergraduates (e.g., Grant Delanoy, Shantanu Thorat). The lab utilizes state-of-the-art equipment funded via grants, including 4 Mössbauer spectrometers, ICP-MS systems, and anaerobic glove-box chromatography setups. Future goals include extending studies to human cytosol and exploring cancer-related iron accumulation.

Labs & Teams: The Lindahl Research Group operates in Texas A&M’s Chemistry Building, employing a diverse team of chemists, biochemists, and modelers. Collaborative projects involve isolating organelles from yeast, mice, and pigs to map metalomes. The lab emphasizes innovation in analytical methods to preserve metal complex integrity during analysis.