Biological function
IRP1 is a central regulator of cellular iron homeostasis. By binding IREs in the 5′ or 3′ UTRs of target mRNAs (e.g., ferritin, transferrin receptor), it controls iron storage and uptake in response to iron levels.
 
Binding property
IRP1 recognizes the iron-responsive element (IRE), a conserved stem-loop RNA with a CAGUGN loop and a characteristic bulged C in the stem. Binding is sensitive to iron and redox status.
 
Assay notes
Uses a structured, biotinylated IRE hairpin RNA. Assay reports IRP1/IRE binding capacity and can be used to monitor iron-regulatory signaling or compound effects on IRP function.