Molecular Mechanisms of Mammalian Iron Homeostasis

Abstract: Trace element iron is essential for nearly all living organisms. It is the key component of ironcontaining enzymes and proteins， which participate in many cellular biological processes. It is estimated that nearly one quarter of population worldwide has been suffered from anemia due to iron deficiency. In contrast， iron overload induces a disease termed as Hemochromatosis， which the incidence is approximately 1/200 in Caucasians. Recently， the disease has also been reported in China. It is fatal if the disease progresses to late stage as the sign of heart， pancreas and liver failures. Therefore， maintenance of iron homeostasis is crucial. It is believed that iron is uptake by small intestine， stored in liver， transported in blood， recycled by macrophages， and finally utilized by cells to fulfill the functions. In last “Golden Decade”， many novel iron metabolic genes have been cloned and functionally characterized to further understanding of regulation of iron metabolism and maintenance of iron homeostasis. However， more insights need to be learned considering the complexity of the processes. In this review， we summarize the recent findings in this field and discuss remaining questions， and provide our understanding towards future directions.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2011.11.0001