The SLC40 basolateral iron transporter family (IREG1/ferroportin/MTP1)

Abstract

The iron regulated-transporter-1 (Ireg1, also known as ferroportin or metal transporter protein-1, MTP1) appears to be the sole member of the SLC40 transporter family. It functions as a universal efflux pathway for iron in a number of cell types. The protein is most highly expressed in mature enterocytes of the duodenum, in syncytiotrophoblasts, which separate foetal and maternal circulations in the placenta, and in macrophages responsible for recycling iron from breakdown of aged red blood cells.