Iron metabolism and its contribution to cancer (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Ying Chen
    • Zhimin Fan
    • Ye Yang
    • Chunyan Gu
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: February 20, 2019     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2019.4720
  • Pages: 1143-1154
Metrics: Total Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )


Abstract

Iron is an essential element for biological processes. Iron homeostasis is regulated through several mechanisms, from absorption by enterocytes to recycling by macrophages and storage in hepatocytes. Iron has dual properties, which may facilitate tumor growth or cell death. Cancer cells exhibit an increased dependence on iron compared with normal cells. Macrophages potentially deliver iron to cancer cells, resulting in tumor promotion. Mitochondria utilize cellular iron to synthesize cofactors, including heme and iron sulfur clusters. The latter is composed of essential enzymes involved in DNA synthesis and repair, oxidation‑reduction reactions, and other cellular processes. However, highly increased iron concentrations result in cell death through membrane lipid peroxidation, termed ferroptosis. Ferroptosis, an emerging pathway for cancer treatment, is similar to pyroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis. In the present review, previous studies on the physiology of iron metabolism and its role in cancer are summarized. Additionally, the significance of iron regulation, and the association between iron homeostasis and carcinogenic mechanisms are discussed.
View Figures
View References

Related Articles

Journal Cover

April-2019
Volume 54 Issue 4

Print ISSN: 1019-6439
Online ISSN:1791-2423

Sign up for eToc alerts

Recommend to Library

Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Chen Y, Fan Z, Yang Y and Gu C: Iron metabolism and its contribution to cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 54: 1143-1154, 2019
APA
Chen, Y., Fan, Z., Yang, Y., & Gu, C. (2019). Iron metabolism and its contribution to cancer (Review). International Journal of Oncology, 54, 1143-1154. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2019.4720
MLA
Chen, Y., Fan, Z., Yang, Y., Gu, C."Iron metabolism and its contribution to cancer (Review)". International Journal of Oncology 54.4 (2019): 1143-1154.
Chicago
Chen, Y., Fan, Z., Yang, Y., Gu, C."Iron metabolism and its contribution to cancer (Review)". International Journal of Oncology 54, no. 4 (2019): 1143-1154. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2019.4720