The iron metabolism of neoplastic cells: alterations that facilitate proliferation?
For many years it has been known that neoplastic cells express high levels of the transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and internalize iron (Fe) from transferrin (Tf) at a tremendous rate. Considering the high requirement of neoplastic cells for Fe, understanding its metabolism is vital in terms of devising potential new therapies. Apart from TfR1, a number of molecules have been identified that may have roles in Fe metabolism and cellular proliferation. These molecules include transferrin (Tf), the oestrogen-inducible transferrin receptor-like protein, transferrin receptor 2 (TfR2), melanotransferrin (MTf), ceruloplasmin, and ferritin. In the present review these latter molecules are discussed in terms of their potential functions in tumour cell Fe metabolism and proliferation. Further studies are essential to determine the specific roles of these proteins in the pathogenesis of cancer.
Kwok
Juliana C
JC
The Iron Metabolism and Chelation Group, The Heart Research Institute, 145 Missenden Road, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.
Richardson
Des R
DR
D000818:Animals; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D001692:Biological Transport; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002570:Ceruloplasmin / Q000378:metabolism; D004705:Endocytosis; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D005293:Ferritins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D019159:Nonheme Iron Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin / Q000378:metabolism; D014168:Transferrin / Q000378:metabolism
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D004967:Estrogens; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D019159:Nonheme Iron Proteins; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin; D014168:Transferrin; D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron; D002570:Ceruloplasmin