Iron Metabolism

Abstract

Iron has various functions in the body, including the metabolism of oxygen in a variety of biochemical processes. Iron, as either heme or in its "nonheme" form, plays an important role in key reactions of DNA synthesis and energy production. However, low solubility of iron in body fluids and the ability to form toxic hydroxyl radicals in presence of oxygen make iron uptake, use and storage a serious challenge. The discovery of new metal transporters, receptors and peptides and as well as the discovery of new cross-interactions between known proteins are now leading to a breakthrough in the understanding of systemic iron metabolism. The objective of this book is to review and summarize recent developments in our understanding of iron transport and storage in living systems.