The discovery of iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) has provided a molecular framework from
which to more fully understand the coordinate regulation of vertebrate iron metabolism. IRPs
bind to iron responsive elements (IREs) in specific mRNAs and regulate their utilization. The
targets of IRP action now appear to extend beyond proteins that function in the storage
(ferritin) or cellular uptake (transferrin receptor) of iron to include those involved in other
aspects of iron metabolism as well as in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. To date, it appears that …