Divalent metal transporter 1; Transferrin receptor 1; Ferroportin 1 (DMT1 (SLC11A2); TfR1 (TFRC); FPN1 (SLC40A1))

Iron transporter proteins are a diverse group of integral membrane proteins that mediate the uptake, distribution, and export of iron across cell membranes. In humans, key transporters include: Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1): Imports ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) from endosomes into cytoplasm, essential for cellular iron uptake, but can also transport other divalent metals; highly regulated, mutations result in anemia. Transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1): Mediates iron uptake through receptor-mediated endocytosis of transferrin-bound iron; widely expressed and upregulated in rapidly dividing and anemic cells. Ferroportin 1 (FPN1): The only known iron exporter in mammals; critical for releasing iron from enterocytes, macrophages, and hepatocytes into circulation; regulated by hepcidin and other factors, mutations cause iron overload or deficiency. Dysfunction in these proteins is associated with a wide spectrum of human disease, and they are both diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in anemia, iron overload disorders, cancer, neurodegeneration, and infections.

Other names

DMT1DCT1NRAMP2SLC11A2TfR1CD71TFRCFPN1IREG1SLC40A1MTP1

Chelators: Bind and sequester iron to reduce overload. Supplements: Provide bioavailable iron substrate for transporters. Modulators: Manipulate expression of transporters or regulatory proteins (e.g., hepcidin analogs to inhibit ferroportin).