Identification of a Steap3 endosomal targeting motif essential for normal iron metabolism.

Hereditary forms of iron-deficiency anemia, including animal models, have taught us much about the normal physiologic control of iron metabolism. However, the discovery of new informative mutants is limited by the natural mutation frequency. To address this limitation, we have developed a screen for heritable abnormalities of red blood cell morphology in mice with single-nucleotide changes induced by the chemical mutagen ethylnitrosourea (ENU).

Iron and cadmium uptake by duodenum of hypotransferrinaemic mice.

Absorption from food is an important route for entry of the toxic metal, cadmium, into the body. Both cadmium and iron are believed to be taken up by duodenal enterocytes via the iron regulated, proton-coupled transporter, DMT1. This means that cadmium uptake could be enhanced in conditions where iron absorption is increased.

Effect of areca nut on salivary copper concentration in chronic chewers.

The chewing of areca nut is associated with the development of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), a condition predominantly encountered in Asians indulging in the habit. The pathogenesis of this condition is however, unclear, though several mechanisms have been proposed. Copper has previously been implicated as a possible aetiological factor.

Role of interleukin-6 in hypoxic regulation of intestinal iron absorption.

The regulation of intestinal iron absorption is not fully understood. Hepcidin, a liver-produced peptide, has recently been identified as a negative regulator of iron absorption in various conditions associated with altered iron metabolism (e.g.

The effects of inhibition of haem biosynthesis by griseofulvin on intestinal iron absorption.

The relationship between haem biosynthesis and intestinal iron absorption in mice was investigated by ascertaining the effect of the haem synthesis inhibitor, griseofulvin, on duodenal iron absorption using both in vivo and in vitro measurements. Urinary 5-aminolaevulinic acid levels were increased within 24 hr of feeding mice with griseofulvin diet (2.5% w/w), with more marked increases seen after 3-7 days.

Iron absorption: biochemical and molecular insights into the importance of iron species for intestinal uptake.

Recent advances in cloning of proteins involved in intestinal iron absorption can inform design and understanding of therapeutic iron preparations. Redox chemistry of iron is particularly important in iron metabolism, both as a potential source of toxic intermediates and as an essential requirement for efficient iron transport. The initial step in iron absorption (uptake from lumen to mucosa) is particularly important and several pathways involving Fe(III) reduction or transport and Fe(II) transport have been identified.