vit1

VIT1, or Vacuolar Iron Transporter 1, refers to a protein encoded by a gene in plants that is part of the VIT family within the larger cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) superfamily. VIT1 proteins are involved in the storage and homeostasis of iron by moving Fe2+ ions into the vacuole, helping to regulate cytosolic iron levels and detoxification.

In plants, VIT1 proteins are typically localized to the vacuolar membrane (the tonoplast) where they harness the proton gradient across the membrane to transport iron into the vacuole. This activity contributes to iron storage in vacuoles, buffering iron availability during development and stress, and influencing overall metal homeostasis. Some plant species also possess multiple VIT homologs, such as VIT1 and VIT2 in Arabidopsis thaliana, which may have overlapping or distinct expression patterns and functions.

Genetic and physiological studies suggest that VIT1 plays a significant role in seed iron accumulation and distribution, as well as in responses to iron availability and toxicity. Disruption of VIT1 can alter iron localization within tissues and affect plant growth under certain conditions, while altered expression can modify iron storage capacity in seeds or vegetative tissues. The VIT family is of interest for crop biofortification efforts aimed at increasing iron content in edible parts without compromising plant health.

VIT1 is one of several components that coordinate iron homeostasis in plants, interacting with other transporters and regulatory networks that control uptake, distribution, storage, and remobilization of iron and related metals.