REVIEW Essential functions of iron-requiring proteins in DNA replication, repair and cell cycle control

Eukaryotic cells contain numerous iron-requiring pro-teins such as iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster proteins, hemo-proteins and ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs). These proteins utilize iron as a cofactor and perform key roles in DNA replication, DNA repair, metabolic catalysis, iron regulation and cell cycle progression. Disruption of iron homeostasis always impairs the functions of these iron-requiring proteins and is genetically associated with diseases characterized by DNA repair defects in mam-mals. Organisms have evolved multi-layered mecha-nisms to regulate iron balance to ensure genome stability and cell development. This review briefly pro-vides current perspectives on iron homeostasis in yeast and mammals, and mainly summarizes the most recent understandings on iron-requiring protein functions involved in DNA stability maintenance and cell cycle control