Physiological iron-binding proteins and iron-utilizing cells

Physiological iron-binding proteins and iron-utilizing cells represent the systemic network responsible for maintaining iron homeostasis in the human body. This network includes transport proteins like transferrin, which shuttles iron through the blood, and storage proteins like ferritin and hemosiderin, which sequester iron to prevent oxidative damage. Iron-utilizing cells primarily consist of erythroid precursors in the bone marrow that incorporate iron into hemoglobin, as well as muscle cells (myoglobin) and various cells requiring iron-sulfur clusters for mitochondrial function. In clinical practice, this system is the target of iron replacement therapies used to treat iron deficiency anemia, where exogenous iron is delivered to replenish these physiological pools. Conversely, in conditions of iron overload like hemochromatosis, the system is managed using chelating agents that remove iron from these binding sites. Proper regulation of this system is vital, as free iron is highly toxic and can catalyze the formation of reactive oxygen species.

Other names

Iron metabolism systemIron transport and storage proteinsIron-utilizing tissuesEndogenous iron proteins

Iron replacement therapies deliver elemental iron to the plasma where it is captured by transferrin for transport to erythroid precursor cells for hemoglobin synthesis or to ferritin for storage in the liver and macrophages. Conversely, chelating agents bind to excess iron within these proteins or cellular pools to facilitate its excretion.