Solute carrier family 11 member 2 (SLC11A2)

Solute carrier family 11 member 2 (SLC11A2), also known as divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), is an integral membrane transporter critical for the absorption and intracellular transport of divalent metal ions, especially iron (Fe²⁺) and manganese (Mn²⁺). SLC11A2 is expressed in the duodenal brush border for dietary iron uptake and in endosomal membranes for iron export into the cytoplasm. It is regulated by body iron stores to maintain iron homeostasis and is involved in erythropoiesis, mitochondrial function, and modulation of iron and manganese entry into the brain. Mutations and altered expression of SLC11A2 are implicated in iron-related anemias, neurodegenerative diseases, and systemic metal toxicity. Its broad selectivity for multiple divalent cations underlies both its physiological importance and associated safety concerns for metal overload.

Other names

Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 2Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1)Divalent cation transporter 1 (DCT1)NRAMP2DMT-1NRAMP 2FLJ37416

Drugs may act by modulating iron and manganese uptake, chelating excess metals to reduce toxicity, or influencing SLC11A2 expression or localization