Molecular Mechanisms of Iron and Heme Metabolism

Abstract excerpt

An abundant metal in the human body, iron is essential for key biological pathways including oxygen transport, DNA metabolism, and mitochondrial function. Most iron is bound to heme but it can also be incorporated into iron-sulfur clusters or bind directly to proteins. Iron's capacity to cycle between Fe 2+ and Fe 3+ contributes to its biological utility but also renders it toxic in excess. Heme is an...