Iron ion uptake

Iron ion uptake refers to the highly regulated biological processes and systems by which cells acquire iron from their environment to support essential functions such as DNA synthesis, oxygen transport, and mitochondrial respiration (MDPI, 2024). In mammals, this system is primarily mediated by the transferrin-transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) pathway and the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), which facilitate the internalisation of ferric and ferrous iron, respectively (Frontiers, 2024; PMC, 2022). Bacterial pathogens utilize specialized iron ion uptake systems, including TonB-dependent receptors and siderophore transporters, to scavenge iron from host proteins, a process critical for maintaining their virulence and survival (Frontiers, 2024). Dysregulation of iron uptake is a hallmark of several pathologies; cancer cells often overexpress iron receptors like TfR1 to sustain rapid proliferation, while excessive iron accumulation in the brain is linked to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease (Theranostics, 2025; Encyclopedia.pub, 2021). Therapeutic strategies targeting iron ion uptake include the use of chelators to sequester excess iron, iron-based supplements to treat deficiency, and experimental monoclonal antibodies or siderophore-drug conjugates (e.g., Cefiderocol) designed to inhibit or exploit uptake mechanisms for oncology and anti-infective applications (PMC, 2022; ResearchGate, 2025).

Other names

Iron acquisitionIron transportIron uptake systemCellular iron uptakeSiderophore-mediated iron uptake

Drugs targeting iron ion uptake function by chelating available iron to prevent cellular entry, competitively inhibiting bacterial siderophore receptors, or blocking mammalian iron transport proteins to modulate intracellular iron levels.