University:
Kentucky State University
Course:
BIO 408 | Cell Biology
Academic year:

2024
Views:

273

Pages:

5
Author:

gewoekerdodx

Iron-responsive elements In human cells, there are regions of mRNA called iron responsive elements (IREs). These regions are contained within the mRNA sequences that code for certain proteins that regulate the levels of iron. Ferritin, transferrin receptor, ferroportin, and DMT1 Iron-responsive element binding protein (IRE-BP) binds to these mRNA sequences influencing protein expression. Effect on expression When iron is abundant, it binds to IRE-BP, disabling the binding of IR-BP to ferritin mRNA This prevents the degradation of the mRNA molecules allowing the production of more ferritin protein Therefore, the iron itself causes the cell to produce more iron storage molecules On the other hand, at low iron levels, the IRE-BP will bind to the ferritin mRNA and, thus, the mRNA will be destabilized, making less ferritin protein An opposite effect is seen on the stability of transferrin receptor mRNA