Heme transporter that regulates intracellular heme availability through the endosomal or lysosomal compartment . In macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system, is the heme transporter for heme-iron recycling. Essential for macrophage iron homeostasis, transports heme from the phagolysosome to the cytoplasm during erythrophagocytosis (EP) .
Subcellular locations: Endosome membrane, Lysosome membrane, Cytoplasmic vesicle, Phagosome membrane
In macrophages, specifically localizes to the phagolysosomal membranes during erythrophagocytosis.
Highly expressed in the brain, kidney, heart and skeletal muscle. Moderately expressed in the liver, lung, placenta and small intestine. Strongly expressed in macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system .