Characterization of the proteins involved in the transport and storage of iron in plants

Abstract

Iron is a transient metal essential for the proper growth and development of plants because as a component of the enzymes with a wide redox potential, iron contributes to the key cellular processes. During evolution, plants have developed a wide range of molecular mechanisms for the efficient control of iron homeostasis within their cells, tissues and organs. These include membrane proteins involved in the uptake, long-distance transport and intracellular distribution of iron as well as the iron-storing and iron-chelating proteins, that are involved in the protection of the plant cells from iron excess and/or ensure the proper growth and development of plants under Fe deficiency. Since iron is crucial for the functioning of plants, the proteins involved in the transport, chelation and storage of iron within plant cells are currently thoroughly studied. This work presents the current state of the art in the knowledge of these proteins and their regulatory mechanisms.