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Divalent Metal Transporter 1 (DMT1)

Proton-coupled apical brush border transporter that imports ferrous iron and other divalent metals (Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd) into enterocytes and erythroid precursors.

Also: DCT1, DMT1, NRAMP2, SLC11A2

DMT1 is the major intestinal entry point for nonheme iron after reduction of dietary Fe3+ to Fe2+ by duodenal cytochrome b (DCYTB). Its proton-coupled mechanism explains why gastric acid loss reduces iron absorption. In erythroid precursors DMT1 in endosomes mediates iron release from transferrin after receptor-mediated uptake. Mutations cause hypochromic microcytic anemia with hepatic iron overload.

How one textbook covers it

  • Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 10: Iron

    DMT1 is the major intestinal entry point for nonheme iron after reduction of dietary Fe3+ to Fe2+ by duodenal cytochrome b (DCYTB). Its proton-coupled mechanism explains why gastric acid loss reduces iron absorption. In erythroid precursors DMT1 in endosomes mediates iron release from transferrin after receptor-mediated uptake. Mutations cause hypochromic microcytic anemia with hepatic iron overload.

Related terms

Ferroportin, Hepcidin, Transferrin