Erythroferrone and its role in the iron metabolism regulation: molecular mechanisms and clinical significance

Erythroferrone (ERFE) is a protein that plays a key role in iron metabolic control in the body. It is synthesized predominantly in the spleen and bone marrow and has an effect on levels of hepcidin — a hormone that regulates the absorption of iron in the intestine and its redistribution in the body. Objective. To describe the role of erythroferrone in iron metabolic control, as well as possible molecular mechanisms underlying its action. Materials and methods. A search for domestic and foreign publications on the studied topic in PubMed, RSCI and eLibrary databases was performed using the following keywords: «erythroferrone», «iron», «hepcidin», «ferroportin», «bone morphogenic protein». The depth of search was 14 years (2011—2024). Results. The mechanism of ERFE action consists in suppressing the expression of hepcidin, that contributes to increased iron availability for erythropoiesis, especially under conditions of anemia and hypoxia. In addition to its effect on iron metabolism, ERFE is also a myokine and participates in the regulation of muscle tissue regeneration and bone tissue metabolism. Studies show that ERFE has antioxidant activity, and this allows it to reduce the severity of inflammatory responses associated with impaired iron metabolism. Conclusion. Understanding of the molecular mechanisms of erythroferrone action opens up prospects for developing new approaches in the treatment of diseases associated with iron deficiency or overload, as well as with musculoskeletal disorders.