Exploring the role of Transferrin receptor 1 for iron uptake in bone

Introduction: Maintaining balanced iron levels is essential for health. Iron circulates in the body primarily bound to the transport molecule transferrin, ensuring a stable, non-reactive state, and facilitating its delivery to tissues. Transferrin receptor 1 (Tfr1) plays a key role in mediating the cellular uptake of transferrin-bound iron. While Tfr1 is essential for iron uptake in hematopoietic tissues and skeletal muscle, it is dispensable for iron acquisition in hepatocytes or intestinal epithelial cells. Bone health also heavily relies on balanced iron levels, with both iron overload and deficiency contributing to increased fracture risk. In this study, we investigated the significance of Tfr1 for iron uptake and cellular function in osteoblasts and osteoclasts.