BioCentury

Gut microbe metabolites as treatments for iron overload

December 19, 2019 9:48 PM UTC

INDICATION: Iron overload

The microbial metabolites diaminopropane and reuterin could treat iron overload by inhibiting HIF2A, which promotes iron absorption from the gut. Microbes in the gut compete with the host to acquire iron. Cell-based screening of metabolites and cellular components from gut microbes for reduced HIF2A activity identified diaminopropane. Diaminoprone inhibited HIF2A by preventing its dimerization with ARNT. A similar result was seen with reuterin, a Lactobacillus reuteri metabolite that was more abundant in the guts of mice fed an iron-deficient vs. normal diet. In a genetic mouse model of iron overload, treatment with diaminopropane or L. reuteri as a reuterin source reduced iron levels in the pancreas and heart; diaminopropane also lowered hepatic iron levels...