Molecular Mechanisms of Iron Transport and Homeostasis Regulated by Antarctic Krill-Derived Heptapeptide–Iron Complex

In this study, the molecular mechanisms of iron transport and homeostasis regulated by the Antarctic krill-derived heptapeptide–iron (LVDDHFL–iron) complex were explored. LVDDHFL–iron significantly increased the hemoglobin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity levels, and iron contents in the liver and spleen to normal levels, regulated the gene expressions of iron homeostasis, and enhanced in vivo antioxidant capacity in iron-deficiency anemia mice (P < 0.05). The results revealed that iron ions within LVDDHFL–iron can be transported via the heme transporter and divalent metal transporter-1, and the absorption of LVDDHFL–iron involved receptor-mediated endocytosis. We also found that the transport of LVDDHFL–iron across cells via phagocytosis was facilitated by the up-regulation of the high mobility group protein, heat shock protein β, and V-type proton ATPase subunit, accompanied by the regulatory mechanism of autophagy. These findings provided deeper understandings of the mechanism of LVDDHFL–iron facilitating iron absorption.