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Metal ion transporters in mammals: structure, function and pathological implications
1Membrane Biology Program and Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA. mhediger@rics.bwh.harvard.edu
The Journal of Physiology
|June 22, 1999
Summary
Mammalian cells utilize various metal ion transporters for essential functions. Recent discoveries reveal new molecular mechanisms for metal ion uptake, crucial for understanding and treating diseases linked to metal homeostasis imbalances.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
Background:
- Metal ions are vital for cellular catalysis and homeostasis.
- Classical iron uptake involved transferrin receptor-mediated endocytosis.
- Emerging evidence suggests non-receptor-mediated uptake systems exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in mammalian metal ion transporter identification.
- To provide an overview of known mammalian metal ion transporters.
- To highlight the importance of metal ion homeostasis in health and disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent molecular identification studies.
- Analysis of existing data on metal ion transport mechanisms.
- Synthesis of information on the role of metal ion transporters in various diseases.
Main Results:
- Identification of novel molecular mechanisms for metal ion uptake.
- Characterization of a growing number of mammalian metal ion transporters.
- Demonstration of links between transporter defects and diseases like anemia, neurodegeneration, and infections.
Conclusions:
- Understanding metal ion transporters is critical for human health.
- Defects in metal ion homeostasis underlie numerous pathologies.
- Continued research into metal ion transport mechanisms is essential.