Interpreting Iron Homeostasis in Congenital and Acquired Disorders

Mammalian cells require iron to satisfy their metabolic needs and to accomplish specialized functions, such as hematopoiesis, mitochondrial biogenesis, energy metabolism, or oxygen transport. Iron homeostasis is balanced by the interplay of proteins responsible for iron import, storage, and export. A misbalance of iron homeostasis may cause either iron deficiencies or iron overload diseases. The clinical work-up of iron dysregulation is highly important, as severe symptoms and pathologies may arise. Treating iron overload or iron deficiency is important to avoid cellular damage and severe symptoms and improve patient outcomes. The impressive progress made in the past years in understanding mechanisms that maintain iron homeostasis has already changed clinical practice for treating iron-related diseases and is expected to improve patient management even further in the future.

Automated summary

Mammalian cells rely on iron for various important functions and maintaining iron homeostasis is crucial. Imbalances in iron homeostasis can lead to iron deficiencies or iron overload diseases, which require clinical attention. Treating these conditions is important to prevent cellular damage and improve patient outcomes. Recent advancements in understanding iron homeostasis mechanisms have already impacted clinical practice and are expected to further enhance patient management in the future.