Downregulation of SLC40A1 leads to iron accumulation in fibrotic lung fibroblasts.

ABSTRACT: Iron is an essential nutrient for almost all organisms. However, excess iron generates reactive oxygen species and causes tissue injuries. Iron is implicated in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In this study, we examined iron accumulation in fibrotic lung fibroblasts and the underlying mechanisms. We hypothesize that the downregulation of Solute Carrier Family 40 Member 1 (SLC40A1) results in iron accumulation in lung fibroblasts of IPF patients. Using a Prussian Blue iron staining, we found that iron accumulated in the fibrotic region of the lungs from IPF patients and bleomycin- and asbestos-induced lung fibrosis mice. Iron was partially co-localized with the fibroblast marker vimentin in IPF lungs. By using publicly available single cell RNA sequencing datasets, we identified SLC40A

SUBMITTER: Dang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12922364 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature