The new role of poly (rC)-binding proteins as iron transport chaperones: Proteins that could couple with inter-organelle interactions to safely traffic iron

Abstract

Background: Intracellular iron transport is mediated by iron chaperone proteins known as the poly(rC)-binding proteins (PCBPs), which were originally identified as RNA/DNA-binding molecules. Scope of review: PCBPs assume a role as not only as cytosolic iron carriers, but also as regulators of iron transport and recycling. PCBP1 is involved in the iron storage pathway that involves ferritin, while PCBP2 is involved in processes that include: iron transfer from the iron importer, divalent metal ion transporter 1; iron export mediated by ferroportin-1; and heme degradation via heme oxygenase 1. Major conclusions: Both PCBP1 and PCBP2 possess iron-binding activity and form hetero/homo dimer complexes. These iron chaperones have a subset of non-redundant functions and regulate iron metabolism independently. General significance: This intracellular iron chaperone system mediated by PCBPs provide a transport “gateway” of ferrous iron that may potentially link with dynamic, inter-organelle interactions to safely traffic intracellular iron.