Elucidation of the intracellular molecular mechanisms of iron trafficking in intestinal epithelial cells

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K05281
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 37010:Bio-related chemistry
• Research Institution: Nagasaki University (2022-2023); University of Hyogo (2021)
• Principal Investigator: Sawai Hitomi 長崎大学, 工学研究科, 准教授 (50584851)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 鉄輸送タンパク質 / 細胞内鉄動態 / 鉄栄養素の吸収

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Iron is essential for the survival of all living organisms and is transported and utilized in the body with the assistance of various proteins; however, detailed molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, we focused on a newly identified iron transport protein (iron chaperone) localized in the cytoplasm to clarify the detailed mechanisms by which dietary iron in humans is absorbed by the intestinal epithelial cells and transported to the bloodstream. We investigated the interaction of the iron chaperone with proteins related to iron dynamics, and clarified the properties of the iron chaperone and the mechanism of iron transfer to related proteins.

Free Research Field

生物無機化学、生命金属科学、蛋白質科学、生化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

鉄イオン吸収に関する研究は、医科学や栄養学的な観点で発展してきたが、タンパク質レベルでの機能制御機構は理解されていない。そのため、鉄イオンの輸送に関わるタンパク質の分子機構を詳細に解明することは、鉄代謝異常による疾病の理解や鉄栄養素の効率的で無害な摂取方法や新たな鉄剤の開発への端緒となる。