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Updated: May 26, 2026

Essential Metal Uptake in Gram-negative Bacteria: X-ray Fluorescence, Radioisotopes, and Cell Fractionation
Published on: February 1, 2018
The iron transporter ferroportin can also function as a manganese exporter
Michael S Madejczyk1, Nazzareno Ballatori
1Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA. Mike_Madejczyk@urmc.rochester.edu
Ferroportin (FPN1/SLC40A1), known for iron export, also facilitates manganese export. This study shows FPN1 transports manganese, influenced by pH and ion gradients, impacting cellular metal homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Trace Element Transport
- Protein Function
Background:
- Ferroportin (FPN1/SLC40A1) is the primary cellular iron exporter.
- The role of FPN1 in transporting other essential trace metals is not fully understood.
- Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element with complex cellular regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether ferroportin (FPN1/SLC40A1) mediates the cellular export of manganese (Mn).
- To characterize the transport kinetics and regulatory factors of FPN1-mediated Mn export.
Main Methods:
- Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing human FPN1 were utilized.
- Radioactive manganese-54 ((54)Mn) was used to quantify Mn uptake and export.
- Experiments involved varying extracellular pH, ionic composition, and presence of other metal ions.
Main Results:
- Oocytes expressing FPN1 showed significantly higher (54)Mn export compared to controls.
- (54)Mn accumulation was lower in oocytes co-expressing FPN1 and DMT1/NRAMP2.
- FPN1-mediated Mn export was concentration-dependent, partially inhibited by Fe, Co, and Ni, and sensitive to extracellular pH and Na+/K+ gradients.
Conclusions:
- Manganese (Mn) is a substrate for the iron exporter ferroportin (FPN1/SLC40A1).
- FPN1-mediated Mn export is regulated by extracellular pH and transmembrane ion gradients.
- These findings reveal a dual role for FPN1 in the transport of both iron and manganese, impacting cellular metal balance.
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