Figure 2.

Relationship between EGFR and iron. Transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) is responsible for the transport and internalization of iron bound to transferrin (Tf) and is brought into the cell via receptor-mediated endocytosis. After being transported to the endosome, iron is released from Tf and either utilized, stored, or exported out by the cell. Although the relationship between iron-bound transferrin receptor and EGFR is still not fully understood, it has been shown that EGFR may play a role in regulating iron homeostasis by redistributing TfR1 to the membrane to increase iron import for use by the cancer cell. In addition, it is believed that EGFR may play a role in iron metabolism through its association with the progesterone-receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1). PGRMC1 is able to form a dimeric structure with heme, and can bind directly to EGFR to promote tumor growth and proliferation.