Balancing acts: molecular control of mammalian iron metabolism

Cell. 2004 Apr 30;117(3):285-97. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(04)00343-5.

Abstract

Iron is ubiquitous in the environment and in biology. The study of iron biology focuses on physiology and homeostasis-understanding how cells and organisms regulate their iron content, how diverse tissues orchestrate iron allocation, and how dysregulated iron homeostasis leads to common hematological, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. This has provided novel insights into gene regulation and unveiled remarkable links to the immune system.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Cell Polarity
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism
  • Homeostasis*
  • Humans
  • Iron / metabolism*
  • Iron Metabolism Disorders / physiopathology
  • Iron-Regulatory Proteins
  • Mammals / metabolism*
  • Mutation
  • Receptors, Transferrin / genetics
  • Receptors, Transferrin / metabolism
  • Transferrin / chemistry
  • Transferrin / genetics
  • Transferrin / metabolism

Substances

  • Iron-Regulatory Proteins
  • Receptors, Transferrin
  • Transferrin
  • Iron