ferroportinrelated

Ferroportin-related is an adjective used to describe aspects connected with ferroportin, the principal iron exporter in vertebrate cells. Ferroportin, encoded by the SLC40A1 gene, is a multi-pass transmembrane transporter expressed on the basolateral surface of intestinal enterocytes and the plasma membranes of macrophages, hepatocytes, and other iron-recycling cells. It mediates the efflux of ferrous iron (Fe2+) from cells into the bloodstream, where iron binds transferrin for transport to tissues.

Systemic iron balance is regulated largely by the hormone hepcidin, which binds ferroportin and promotes its internalization and degradation. This reduces iron export into plasma. Hepcidin levels respond to iron status, inflammation, hypoxia, and other physiological signals, and ferroportin activity integrates with pathways such as BMP-SMAD signaling to maintain iron homeostasis.

Ferroportin-related topics include the genetic and functional study of SLC40A1 mutations, which can cause ferroportin disease (ferroportin-related hemochromatosis). This condition may feature iron accumulation in macrophages and variable systemic iron overload, or, in some mutations, reduced iron export leading to anemia. The spectrum reflects gain- or loss-of-function effects on ferroportin activity and regulation.

Research also explores tissue-specific expression, regulatory mechanisms governing ferroportin trafficking and transcription, and therapeutic approaches targeting ferroportin-hepcidin interactions in iron disorders. Understanding ferroportin-related biology informs diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies for disorders of iron metabolism and recycling.