The family of proton-coupled metal ion transporters are responsible for movements of divalent cations, particularly ferrous and manganese ions, across the cell membrane (SLC11A2/DMT1) and across endosomal (SLC11A2/DMT1) or lysosomal/phagosomal membranes (SLC11A1/NRAMP1), dependent on proton transport. Both proteins appear to have 12 TM regions and cytoplasmic N- and C- termini. NRAMP1 is involved in antimicrobial action in macrophages, although its precise mechanism is undefined. Facilitated diffusion of divalent cations into phagosomes may increase intravesicular free radicals to damage the pathogen. Alternatively, export of divalent cations from the phagosome may deprive the pathogen of essential enzyme cofactors. SLC11A2/DMT1 is more widely expressed and appears to assist in divalent cation assimilation from the diet, as well as in phagocytotic cells.

Loss-of-function mutations in NRAMP1 are associated with increased susceptibility to microbial infection (OMIM: 607948). Loss-of-function mutations in DMT1 are associated with microcytic anemia (OMIM: 206100).

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