title: Understanding the multiple functions of Nramp1.
abstract: Nramp1 regulates macrophage activation in infectious and autoimmune diseases. Nramp2 controls anaemia. Both are divalent cation (Fe(2+), Zn(2+), and Mn(2+)) transporters; Nramp2 a symporter of H(+) and metal ions, Nramp1 a H(+)/divalent cation antiporter. This provides a model for metal ion homeostasis in macrophages. Nramp2, localised to early endosomes, delivers extracellularly acquired divalent cations into the cytosol. Nramp1, localised to late endosomes/lysosomes, delivers divalent cations from the cytosol to phagolysosomes. Here, Fe(2+) generates antimicrobial hydroxyl radicals via the Fenton reaction. Zn(2+) and Mn(2+) may also influence endosomal metalloprotease activity and phagolysosome fusion. The many cellular functions dependent on metal ions as cofactors may explain the multiple pleiotropic effects of Nramp1, and its complex roles in infectious and autoimmune disease.
authors.affiliation: Welcome Trust Centre for the Study of Molecular Mechanisms in Disease, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Blackwell
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Searle
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Goswami
authors.forename: E N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D027682:Cation Transport Proteins; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D004198:Disease Susceptibility / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D017136:Ion Transport; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008670:Metals / Q000378:metabolism; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D000099173:Natural Resistance-associated Macrophage Protein 1
chemical_list: D002352:Carrier Proteins; D027682:Cation Transport Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D008670:Metals; D000099173:Natural Resistance-associated Macrophage Protein 1