Iron is absorbed in the duodenum primarily in the ferrous ($Fe^{2+}$) state. Which protein is responsible for the export of iron across the basolateral membrane into the blood?
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Correct answer: Ferroportin
Ferroportin is the only known iron exporter in enterocytes, regulated by the hormone hepcidin. Once iron enters the blood, it is oxidized to $Fe^{3+}$ and binds to transferrin for transport.
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