Molecular and functional roles of duodenal cytochrome B (Dcytb) in iron metabolism.

Dcytb has been identified as the mammalian transplasma ferric reductase that catalyzes the reduction of ferric to ferrous iron in the process of iron absorption. Its mRNA and protein levels are up-regulated by several independent stimulators of iron absorption. Furthermore, its cDNA encodes putative binding sites for heme and ascorbic acid. Using Northern and Western blots, RT-PCR and confocal microscopy, we studied the expression and localisation of Dcytb in cell lines and tissues of CD1 mice. Dcytb expression and function were modulated by iron. Dcytb and DMT1, both predominantly localised in the apical region of the duodenum were up-regulated in iron deficiency. Dcytb, the iron regulated ferric reductase may also utilize cytoplasmic ascorbate as electron donor for transmembrane reduction of iron. Dcytb expression was found in other tissues apart from the duodenum and its regulation and functions at these other sites are of interest in iron metabolism.