An overview of molecular aspects of iron metabolism

Iron (Fe) is an essential, but potentially noxious, metal for almost all organisms. Its precise cellular regulation is necessary to ensure synthesis of numerous iron-containing proteins required for metabolic processes yet at the same time avoiding the build-up of potentially toxic levels of iron. In humans, iron-deficiency results in anemia, while excess iron can lead to organ damage as a result of a build-up of non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI). In recent years, the cloning of novel proteins has clarified the mechanisms of iron uptake, storage and metabolic regulation. Our current knowledge of the molecular aspects of mammalian iron metabolism and NTBI are presented in this review.