Solute carrier family 40 member 1 (Ferroportin-1) (SLC40A1)

Ferroportin-1 (SLC40A1) is the sole known cellular iron exporter in mammals, playing a critical role in maintaining systemic iron homeostasis [UniProt: Q9NP59]. It is highly expressed in duodenal enterocytes, splenic macrophages, and hepatocytes, where it transports ferrous iron (Fe2+) across the cell membrane into the plasma [PubMed: 21148451]. The protein's function is post-translationally regulated by hepcidin, a liver-derived hormone that binds to ferroportin, causing its internalization and lysosomal degradation [PubMed: 15514116]. Mutations in the SLC40A1 gene are associated with Ferroportin Disease, a form of hereditary hemochromatosis characterized by iron accumulation in macrophages [NCBI: Gene ID 6580]. In clinical contexts, ferroportin is a target for treating iron-restricted anemias and iron overload disorders, with drugs like Vamifeport (VIT-2763) acting as direct inhibitors to modulate iron availability [PubMed: 32366616].

Other names

Ferroportin-1Iron-regulated transporter 1IREG1Metal transporter protein 1MTP1SLC40A1FPN1

Ferroportin-targeted therapies primarily work by either mimicking the action of hepcidin to induce transporter degradation or by directly blocking the iron-export pore of the protein [PubMed: 32366616, 15514116].