DMT1 expression is tightly regulated at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Iron levels in the body significantly influence DMT1 regulation. When iron levels are low, DMT1 expression is upregulated to increase iron absorption. This regulation is mediated by Iron Regulatory Proteins (IRPs) that bind to Iron-Responsive Elements (IREs) in the mRNA of DMT1, stabilizing the mRNA and enhancing translation. Conversely, when iron levels are high, IRPs do not bind to IREs, leading to decreased DMT1 expression.
