 Iron regulatory proteins, IRPs, are important regulators of iron metabolism. They bind to specific sequences called iron responsive elements, IREs, in mRNA molecules, thereby controlling the expression of genes involved in iron metabolism. IRPs can either inhibit or promote translation of mRNA molecules depending on their location within the mRNA sequence. This allows them to control the amount of iron available in cells. and maintain an appropriate balance between iron uptake and storage. Two types of IRPs exist in humans, IRP1 and IRP2. Both are necessary for normal development and survival, but IRP2 appears to be more important for proper erythropoiesis and iron homeostasis. Mice lacking both IRP1 and IRP2, IRP1-forward slash dash slash IRP2-forward slash die shortly after birth due to severe anemia and pulmonary hypertension. Recent studies suggest that IRP1 may play a role in pulmonary and cardiac health, while IRP2 is essential for normal erythropoiesis and iron homeostasis. This article was authored by Diliang Yizhong, Monic C. Gosh, and Tracy A. Ruo. We are article.tv, links in the description below.