Ferroportin
Ferroportin
Ferroportin (pronounced: /ˌfɛroʊˈpɔːrtɪn/), also known as SLC40A1 (pronounced: /ˌɛslˌsiːˌfɔːrtiːˈeɪˈwʌn/), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC40A1 gene. The term "Ferroportin" is derived from the Latin words "ferro" meaning iron and "portare" meaning to carry.
Ferroportin is the only known protein to export iron from cells. It is a crucial protein in the regulation of systemic iron homeostasis. It is expressed on the basolateral surface of enterocytes in the duodenum, in macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system, hepatocytes, and placental cells.
Function
Ferroportin functions as an iron exporter in the body. It is responsible for the transfer of dietary iron from the enterocyte to the plasma, the recycling of iron from macrophages, and the release of stored iron from hepatocytes.
Clinical significance
Mutations in the SLC40A1 gene can lead to a condition known as ferroportin disease, which is an autosomal dominant form of hereditary hemochromatosis. This disease is characterized by iron overload in macrophages, with sparing of parenchymal cells such as hepatocytes and pancreatic cells.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ferroportin
- Wikipedia's article - Ferroportin
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