The natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP) family consists of Nramp1, Nramp2, and yeast proteins Smf1 and Smf2. The NRAMP family is a novel family of functional related proteins defined by a conserved hydrophobic core of ten transmembrane domains. This family of membrane proteins are divalent cation transporters. Nramp1 is an integral membrane protein expressed exclusively in cells of the immune system and is recruited to the membrane of a phagosome upon phagocytosis. By controlling divalent cation concentrations Nramp1 may regulate the interphagosomal replication of bacteria. Mutations in Nramp1 may genetically predispose an individual to susceptibility to diseases including leprosy and tuberculosis conversely this might however provide protection form rheumatoid arthritis. Nramp2 is a multiple divalent cation transporter for Fe2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+ amongst others it is expressed at high levels in the intestine; and is major transferrin-independent iron uptake system in mammals. The yeast proteins Smf1 and Smf2 may also transport divalent cations.
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