Erythroferrone

Ideogram human chromosome 2

Erythroferrone (ERFE) is a hormone produced by erythroblasts, which are immature red blood cells, in response to erythropoietin (EPO). It plays a crucial role in the regulation of iron metabolism, particularly in the context of erythropoiesis, the process by which red blood cells are produced. Erythroferrone acts by inhibiting the liver hormone hepcidin, which is the key regulator of iron homeostasis in the body. By suppressing hepcidin, erythroferrone facilitates the release of iron from hepatocytes (liver cells) and enterocytes (intestinal cells), making it available for the synthesis of hemoglobin in developing red blood cells.

Function

The primary function of erythroferrone is to ensure that sufficient iron is available for hemoglobin synthesis during periods of increased erythropoiesis, such as after blood loss or during anemia. Erythroferrone achieves this by modulating the activity of hepcidin. When erythropoiesis is upregulated, erythroferrone levels increase, leading to a decrease in hepcidin levels. This reduction in hepcidin allows for increased iron absorption from the diet and the mobilization of iron stores, facilitating the production of red blood cells.

Clinical Significance

Erythroferrone has been implicated in various clinical conditions related to iron homeostasis and erythropoiesis. For example, in conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and beta-thalassemia, erythroferrone levels are elevated, which contributes to the dysregulation of iron metabolism and anemia. Understanding the role of erythroferrone in these conditions has potential therapeutic implications. For instance, targeting erythroferrone or its pathway could offer new strategies for treating anemia of chronic disease or iron overload disorders.

Research and Potential Therapies

Research into erythroferrone is ongoing, with studies aimed at elucidating its detailed mechanism of action and potential as a therapeutic target. Given its central role in iron regulation, erythroferrone or its signaling pathway could be exploited to develop treatments for diseases characterized by iron dysregulation, such as anemia of chronic disease, iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia, and certain genetic disorders affecting iron metabolism.

See Also

• Hemoglobin
• Iron metabolism
• Erythropoiesis
• Hepcidin