3006153945ENSG00000138449ENSMUSG00000025993Q9NP59Q9JHI9NM_014585NM_016917NP_055400NP_058613Ferroportin-1, also known as solute carrier family 40 member 1 (SLC40A1) or iron-regulated transporter 1 (IREG1), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC40A1 gene.

[11][12] The prospective substrate binding site is located at the interface between the N-terminal and C-terminal halves of the protein, and is alternately accessible from either side of the cell membrane,[12] consistent with MFS transporters.

[14] Ferroportin is found on the basolateral membranes of intestinal epithelia of mammals, including:[15][16] Ferroportin-1 plays an important role in neural tube closure and forebrain patterning.

[17] Mouse embryos lacking the Slc40a1 gene are aborted before gastrulation occurs, suggesting that the Fpn1 protein encoded is necessary and essential for normal embryonic development.

[5][15] Further, several retrospective studies have noted an increased incidence of spina bifida occurring after low maternal intake of iron during embryonic and fetal development.

[17] Given the findings of studies to date, there appears to be significant evidence that intact iron transport mechanisms are critical to normal neural tube closure.

Furthermore, other experiments have suggested that Fpn1 product and activity is required along the entire anterior-posterior axis of the animal to ensure proper closure of the neural tube.

What's more, low expression of ferroportin is also associated with infertility when some features like age and smoking habits are considered.