Sideroflexin 2 (SFXN2)

Sideroflexin 2 is an evolutionarily conserved mitochondrial membrane transporter protein. It is primarily tasked with maintaining iron homeostasis across the mitochondrial membrane, which is essential for proper heme synthesis and mitochondrial respiration. SFXN2 is distinct from other SFXN family members in its selective role regulating mitochondrial iron levels and controlling heme-dependent enzyme activities, while not affecting iron-sulfur cluster enzyme activity. Dysregulation of SFXN2 is linked to abnormal iron metabolism, impaired mitochondrial function, anemia, cancer cell proliferation, and possibly neurodegeneration. SFXN2 emerges as a transporter relevant in cellular iron handling, redox metabolism, and cancer biology, but remains without direct pharmacological targeting by approved therapeutics.

Other names

SFXN2Solute carrier family 56 member 2SLC56A2

Experimentally, inhibition (e.g., siRNA, genetic KO) of SFXN2 disrupts mitochondrial iron export and heme synthesis, affecting cell metabolism and proliferation. No mechanism for small-molecule or biologic drugs established to date.