Inorganic Biochemistry Of Iron Metabolism

Iron is of fundamental importance for the growth, development and well being of almost all living organisms. Multiple biological systems have been developed for the uptake, utilisation, storage and homeostasis of iron in microbes, plants and mammals. e.g. Both iron deficiency and iron overload are found extensively in man: the intimate links between iron and oxidative stress are associated with a wide range of pathologies; iron has a well established role in infections by a wide range of microorganisms and parasites; there is a close link between iron requirements and cellular division with implications for cancers and other metals such as copper and zinc are closely linked with iron metabolism. The first edition of this book was published in 1991. Since then the extensive impact of molecular cell biology on the field of iron biochemistry has opened new horizons in our understanding of the transport and storage of iron and of its homeostasis. The explosive use of molecular biological techniques applied to cellular biology of iron metabolism has resulted in a rapid expansion in the literature which has led to the need for this second edition. This second edition also: Introduces many illustrations and colour photos to make the basic concepts far clearer Includes new chapters on iron and cell division and interactions of iron with other metals - particularly copper and zinc Provides additional anecdotes Incorporates an extensive and up-to-date bibliography

Concentrates on the importance of iron in biology, emphasizing the need for well-defined amounts of iron for the survival, replication and differentiation of the cells of animals, plants and almost all micro-organisms.

Iron plays a crucial role in many biochemical processes. In recent years intensive research has led to a better understanding of the function of iron in cellular metabolism. In more than twenty articles internationally renowned experts give a thorough account of the recent developments of this fascinating field. The book focuses on the central questions, e.g. transport, storage, and utilization of iron in cells, the three-dimensional structure of iron-containing proteins, the physiological function of heme and iron sulfur-containing proteins, and the regulatory mechanisms in heme biosynthesis and redox regulation of signal transduction. The interdisciplinary character of the book is designed to explore the many facets of the new findings and to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances for biochemists, bioinorganic chemists, molecular biologists, microbiologists and immunologists. The reviews are supplemented with valuable background information, results and numerous references. This book emphasizes the relationships between the different disciplines concerned with iron metabolism and opens new perspectives for future research!

Iron is of fundamental importance for the growth, development and well being of almost all living organisms. Multiple biological systems have been developed for the uptake, utilisation, storage and homeostasis of iron in microbes, plants and mammals. e.g. Both iron deficiency and iron overload are found extensively in man: the intimate links between iron and oxidative stress are associated with a wide range of pathologies; iron has a well established role in infections by a wide range of microorganisms and parasites; there is a close link between iron requirements and cellular division with im.

The objective of this book is to review and summarize recent developments in our understanding of iron transport and storage in living systems. It includes an overview of the evolutionary aspects of iron metabolism and bacterial iron transport, as well as a detailed discussion of molecules with specific roles in iron metabolism in higher organisms. It also presents relationships between intracellular iron metabolism and cell proliferation. Iron Transport and Storage addresses the comparative aspects of iron transport and storage in different tissues. This essential volume is very useful for hematologists, physical and biological chemists, cell and molecular biologists, physiologists, and clinicians with an interest in the biology and metabolism of iron.

Iron is indispensable for the growth, development and well-being of almost all living organisms. Biological systems from bacteria, fungi and plants to humans have evolved systems for the uptake, utilisation, storage and homeostasis of iron. Its importance for microbial growth makes its uptake systems a natural target for pathogenic microorganisms and parasites. Uniquely, humans suffer from both iron deficiency and iron overload, while the capacity of iron to generate highly reactive free radicals, causing oxidative stress, is associated with a wide range of human pathologies, including many neurodegenerative diseases. Whereas some essential metal ions like copper and zinc are closely linked with iron metabolism, toxic metals like aluminium and cadmium can interfere with iron metabolism. Finally, iron metabolism and homeostasis are key targets for the development of new drugs for human health. The 4th edition of Iron Metabolism is written in a lively style by one of the leaders in the field, presented in colour and covers the latest discoveries in this exciting area. It will be essential reading for researchers and students in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, nutrition and medical sciences. Other interested groups include biological inorganic chemists with an interest in iron metabolism, health professionals with an interest in diseases of iron metabolism, or of diseases in which iron uptake systems are involved (eg. microbial and fungal infections, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders), and researchers in the pharmaceutical industry interested in developing novel drugs targeting iron metabolism/homeostasis.

Atomic biology has come of age. Interest in the role of chemical elements in life processes has captured the imagination of a wide spectrum of research scientists-ranging from the nutritionist to the biochemist, the inorganic chemist, and even to some biophysicists. This series, Biochemistry of the Elements, is a recognition of this increasing interest. When complete, the books will assemble the hard facts concerning the biochemistry of each element-singly or in a logical grouping. The series will provide a permanent reference for this active and growing field. Each volume shall represent an integrated effort by one or several authors to describe the current knowledge of an element(s) or the methods by which it is studied. Iron is the only element to which we have devoted two volumes, because its biological and chemical role is so versatile and complex. These two volumes will treat the two main structural categories of iron: heme and nonheme iron. In this volume on nonheme iron, the first in the series, Anatoly Bezkorovainy provides what we believe is the most comprehensive treatment of this important topic.

The results of a NATO Advanced Study Institute (ASI) entitled "Coordination Chemistry Environments in Iron-Containing Proteins and Enzymes - Including Smaller Molecules and Model Systems" are summarized in this book. The ASI was held in the Province of Alberta, Canada, from August 23 to September 4, 1981. The first half of the conference was held on the campus of the University of Alberta, Edmonton, and the second half at the Overlander Lodge, Hinton. Two other conferences had the greatest impact upon the planning for this ASI. One was a NATO ASI held in Tomar, Portugal in September of 1979, entitled "Metal Ions in Biology". Among the organizers for that conference were Allen Hill and Antonio Xavier; we are happy to acknowledge their beneficial influence on our subsequent conference. The other most influential conference was one organized by Ralph Wilkins and Dennis Darnell entitled "Methods for Determining Metal Ion Environments in Proteins" which was held in Las Cruces, New Mexico, U.S.A., January 10-12, 1979. The Las Cruces conference invited lectures were published as Volume 2 of "Advances in Inorganic Biochemistry", G. Eichhorn and L. Marzilli, editors.