Caroline C. Philpott Research Images



Iron deficiency induces the expression of genes involved in the uptake of iron, mobilization of stored iron, and the adjustment of metabolism.

Iron homeostasis in yeast. Proteins expressed as part of the Aft1 and 2 regulon are labeled in black text. The low affinity iron transporters Smf1 and Fet4 are also shown. Genes that are down-regulated in iron deficiency are indicated in gray text.

PCBP1 binds three Fe(II) ions and also binds ferritin. Iron is transferred to the ferritin pores for oxidative mineralization of the iron core
Model of PCBP1 delivering iron to ferritin. PCBP1 binds 3 Fe(II) ions and binds to ferritin, delivering the iron for mineralization of the ferritin core.

Circulating iron is bound to transferrin (Tf), which in turn binds to transferrin receptor (TfR) on the surface of cells. The ferric Tf/TfR complex is internalized through endocytosis, and iron is released from transferrin and reduced to the ferrous form. Ferrous iron is transported to the cytosol through DMT1, where it can be bound by PCBP iron chaperones and delivered to ferritin or other cytosolic iron enzymes. Iron is also transferred to mitochondria for incorporation into heme and iron-sulfur clusters.

PCBP iron chaperones in mammalian cells. Circulating iron is bound to transferrin (Tf), which in turn binds to transferrin receptor (TfR) on the surface of cells. The ferric Tf/TfR complex is internalized through endocytosis, and iron is released from transferrin and reduced to the ferrous form. Ferrous iron is transported to the cytosol through DMT1, where it can be bound by PCBP iron chaperones and delivered to ferritin or other cytosolic iron enzymes. Iron is also transferred to mitochondria for incorporation into heme and iron-sulfur clusters.


The Genetics and Metabolism section in February 2011

Page last updated: January 20, 2012

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