Nuclear Factor, Erythroid Derived 2, 45kDa (NFE2)

The 45-kD subunit of the human globin locus control region binding protein, NFE2, was cloned by homology to the murine gene. Nfe2 expression in the mouse small intestine and NF-E2 binding activity in nuclear extracts of a human colon carcinoma cell line (Caco-2). Caco-2 cells possess properties of the small intestine, including the ability to transport iron. These data together indicated that NF-E2 plays a role in all aspects of hemoglobin production: globin synthesis, heme synthesis, and the procurement of iron. (NF-E2 recognition sites are present not only in the locus control regions of the globin genes but also in the gene promoters of 2 heme biosynthetic enzymes, porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) and ferrochelatase (FECH).)