Pharmacology of iron transport

Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2013:53:17-36. doi: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010611-134648. Epub 2012 Sep 27.

Abstract

Elucidating the molecular basis for the regulation of iron uptake, storage, and distribution is necessary to understand iron homeostasis. Pharmacological tools are emerging to identify and distinguish among different iron transport pathways. Stimulatory or inhibitory small molecules with effects on iron uptake can help characterize the mechanistic elements of iron transport and the roles of the transporters involved in these processes. In particular, iron chelators can serve as potential pharmacological tools to alleviate diseases of iron overload. This review focuses on the pharmacology of iron transport, introducing iron transport membrane proteins and known inhibitors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Iron / metabolism*
  • Membrane Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Iron