Iron Regulatory Protein 2
Iron Regulatory Protein 2 (IRP2) is a key protein involved in the regulation of iron homeostasis in cells. It helps maintain the balance of iron by controlling the expression of genes related to iron metabolism. When iron levels are low, IRP2 binds to specific RNA sequences in target mRNAs, stabilizing them and promoting the production of proteins that increase iron uptake and storage.
In contrast, when iron levels are sufficient, IRP2 is degraded, leading to decreased expression of these iron-related genes. This regulatory mechanism is crucial for preventing iron deficiency and toxicity, ensuring that cells have the right amount of iron for essential biological processes.