ferrous iron transmembrane transporter activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Enables the transfer of ferrous iron (Fe(II) or Fe2+) ions from one side of a membrane to the other. [ISBN:0198506732]

Ferrous iron transmembrane transporter activity is a molecular function that describes the ability of a protein to facilitate the transport of ferrous iron (Fe2+) across biological membranes. This transport is essential for various biological processes, including:

* **Iron homeostasis:** Maintaining a balance of iron levels within cells and tissues.
* **Cellular respiration:** Iron is a crucial component of heme, a molecule found in hemoglobin and cytochromes, which play vital roles in oxygen transport and energy production.
* **DNA synthesis and repair:** Iron is required for the activity of DNA polymerase and other enzymes involved in DNA replication and repair.
* **Immune function:** Iron is involved in the production of immune cells and their signaling pathways.

Ferrous iron transmembrane transporters typically operate via a mechanism involving the binding of ferrous iron ions to specific sites on the protein, followed by conformational changes that allow the iron to cross the membrane. These transporters can be active, requiring energy to move iron against its concentration gradient, or passive, allowing iron to flow down its concentration gradient.

The specific mechanisms and regulatory pathways of ferrous iron transmembrane transport vary depending on the transporter protein, the cellular context, and the organism. In humans, several different ferrous iron transporters have been identified, including DMT1 (divalent metal transporter 1), ferroportin, and ZIP8 (zinc-iron permease 8), each with unique roles and expression patterns.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (3)