Mitoferrin-1 (SLC25A37)

Mitoferrin-1 (encoded by the SLC25A37 gene) is a mitochondrial inner membrane transporter essential for importing ferrous iron (Fe2+) into the mitochondrial matrix, where this iron is required for the biosynthesis of heme and iron–sulfur (Fe-S) clusters[1][2][3]. Mitoferrin-1 is especially important in developing erythroid cells, where demand for mitochondrial iron is highest due to hemoglobin synthesis. Loss of function mutations in SLC25A37 can result in profound anemia and are embryonically lethal in animal models, while altered expression or regulation of the protein is linked with several human diseases involving impaired erythropoiesis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitoferrin-1 forms oligomeric complexes with the ABCB10 transporter and ferrochelatase, enabling efficient delivery of iron for heme synthesis. Although both mitoferrin-1 and its paralog mitoferrin-2 (SLC25A28) contribute to mitochondrial iron import, mitoferrin-1 is essential when iron demand is high, as in erythroid cells, and its dysfunction cannot be fully compensated by mitoferrin-2[1][2][3]. There are currently no clinically approved drugs targeting mitoferrin-1, but its central role in iron metabolism makes it a candidate for therapeutic research in disorders of mitochondrial iron homeostasis.

Other names

Mitoferrin-1MFRNMFRN1Mitochondrial iron transporter 1Mitochondrial solute carrier proteinSolute carrier family 25 member 37MSCMSCPHT015PRO1278PRO1584PRO2217

Not applicable, as no approved drugs directly target Mitoferrin-1. Potential mechanisms would involve inhibition or modulation of mitochondrial iron import, but this remains experimental[2][3].