Transcriptional Induction of Transferrin Receptors By Heme in Erythroid Cells

The transferrin receptor (TfR) is a membrane glycoprotein whose only clearly defined function is to mediate cellular uptake of iron (Fe) from a plasma glycoprotein, transferrin. Iron uptake from diferric transferrin (Tf) involves the binding of transferrin to the TfR followed by internalization of Tf within an endocytic vesicle by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Iron is then released from transferrin within endosomes by a combination of Fe³⁺ reduction by Steap3 (likely when transferrin is still bound to TfR) and a decrease in pH (~pH 5.5). Following this, Fe²⁺ is transported across the endosomal membrane by DMT1. Transferrin receptors are highly expressed on immature erythroid cells, placental tissue, and rapidly dividing cells, both normal and malignant. In proliferating nonerythroid cells the expression of TfR is negatively regulated post-transcriptionally by intracellular iron through iron responsive elements (IREs) in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of transferrin receptor mRNA. IREs are recognized by specific cytoplasmic proteins (iron regulatory proteins; IRPs) that, in the absence of iron in the labile pool, bind to the IREs of transferrin receptor mRNA, preventing its degradation. On the other hand, the expansion of the labile iron pool leads to a rapid degradation of transferrin receptor mRNA that is not protected, since IRPs are not bound to it. However, some cells and tissues with specific requirements for iron probably evolved mechanisms that can override the IRE/IRP-dependent control of transferrin receptor expression. We previously documented that the TfR gene promoter contains an erythroid active element that stimulates the receptor gene transcription upon induction of hemoglobin synthesis (1).

In this study we have demonstrated that incubation of erythroid cells with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) increased TfR expression as well as iron incorporation into heme. This effect of ALA can be completely prevented by the inhibitors of heme biosynthesis (succinylacetone [blocks ALA dehydratase] or N-methylprotoporphyrin [blocks ferrochelatase]), indicating that the effect of ALA requires its metabolism to heme. The induction of TfR mRNA expression by ALA is primarily a result of increased mRNA synthesis, since the effect of ALA can be abolished by actinomycin D. Moreover, we found that the TfR promoter was activated in vitro by the addition of ALA or hemin to murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells induced to differentiate using DMSO. Furtehermore, site-directed mutation of erythroid active element (1) in the TfR promoter abolished the effects of ALA or hemin. These results indicate that heme may directly or indirectly interact with the TfR promoter, consequently enhancing the gene expression. Hence, our results show that in erythroid cells heme serves as a positive feedback regulator that maintains high TfR levels thus ensuring adequate iron availability for hemoglobin synthesis. In conclusion, erythroid cells, which are the most avid consumers of iron in the organism, use a transcriptional mechanism to maintain very high transferrin receptor levels. 

¹Chun-Nam Lok Ponka P. (2000) Identification of an Erythroid Active Element in the Transferrin Receptor Gene. J. Biol. Chem. 275: 24185-24190.