Reviewed October 2012 What is the official name of the SLC40A1
gene? The official name of this gene is “solute carrier family
40 (iron-regulated transporter), member 1.” SLC40A1 is the
gene's official symbol. The SLC40A1 gene is also known by other
names, listed below. What is the normal function of the SLC40A1
gene? The SLC40A1 gene provides instructions for making a
protein called ferroportin. This protein is involved in the
process of iron absorption in the body. Iron from the diet is
absorbed through the walls of the small intestine. Ferroportin
then transports iron from the small intestine into the
bloodstream, and the iron is carried by the blood to the tissues
and organs of the body. Ferroportin also transports iron out of
specialized immune system cells (called reticuloendothelial
cells) that are found in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. The
amount of iron absorbed by the body depends on the amount of
iron stored and released from intestinal and reticuloendothelial
cells. Research suggests that the