New insights into intestinal iron absorption

New insights into intestinal iron absorption.

In the May issue of Science, Du et al. described the novel and exciting finding that the transmembrane serine protease 6 (TMPRSS6) senses iron deficiency [1]. In their study, Du et al. described a mutant mouse, which is characterized by progressive loss of body hair and microcytic anaemia. The phenotype was found to result from reduced intestinal iron absorption caused by high levels of hepcidi...

Intestinal Iron Absorption

proteins that transfer electrons and manage oxygen. Until recently, there was little molecular understanding of how mammalian tissues meet the challenge of acquiring adequate amounts of iron without risking the toxic effects of iron excess. Our current knowledge of mammalian iron physiology and homeostasis is painted in broad brushstrokes, with many details remaining to be discovered. This revi...

Systemic regulation of intestinal iron absorption.

The intestinal absorption of the essential trace element iron and its mobilization from storage sites in the body are controlled by systemic signals that reflect tissue iron requirements. Recent advances have indicated that the liver-derived peptide hepcidin plays a central role in this process by repressing iron release from intestinal enterocytes, macrophages and other body cells. When iron r...

Regulation of intestinal non-haem iron absorption.

Studies on Iron Absorption. Intestinal Regulatory Mechanisms.

Recent studies (1-3) have indicated that gastrointestinal absorption of iron is a more complicated process than was initially postulated (4, 5). For example, several investigators have proposed as the result of studies in rats (2, 3), dogs (6), and humans (7) that iron absorption involves at least 2 steps: 1) mucosal uptake of iron from the intestinal lumen and 2) transfer of iron from mucosal ...