Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 2 (NRAMP 2), also known as divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and divalent cation transporter 1 (DCT1),[5] is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC11A2 (solute carrier family 11, member 2) gene.[6] DMT1 represents a large family of orthologous metal ion transporter proteins that are highly conserved from bacteria to humans.[7]
As its name suggests, DMT1 binds a variety of divalent metals including cadmium (Cd2+), copper (Cu2+), and zinc (Zn2+,); however, it is best known for its role in transporting ferrous iron (Fe2+). DMT1 expression is regulated by body iron stores to maintain iron homeostasis. DMT1 is also important in the absorption and transport of manganese (Mn2+).[8] In the digestive tract, it is located on the apical membrane of enterocytes, where it carries out H+-coupled transport of divalent metal cations from the intestinal lumen into the cell.