Iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) are essential for maintaining iron homeostasis in the body. They help regulate the levels of iron by binding to specific RNA sequences in the mRNA of genes involved in iron metabolism. This binding can either stabilize the mRNA, promoting protein production, or inhibit it, reducing protein synthesis depending on the body's iron levels. There are two main types of IRPs: IRP1 and IRP2. IRP1 can switch between an active form that binds iron and an inactive form, while IRP2 is regulated by degradation in response to iron levels. Together, they ensure that cells have enough iron for essential functions without accumulating toxic levels.