Irp2(-/-) mice develop microcytic anemia, erythropoietic protoporphyria and a progressive neurological disorder, indicating that Irp2 has important functions in the nervous system and erythropoietic homeostasis.
Irp1<sup>-/-</sup> mice develop polycythemia and pulmonary hypertension, whereas Irp2<sup>-/-</sup> mice develop microcytic anemia and progressive neurodegeneration, indicating that Irp1 has important functions in the erythropoietic and pulmonary systems, and Irp2 has essential roles in supporting erythropoiesis and nervous system functions.
Mice that lack IRP2 develop microcytic anemia and neurodegeneration associated with functional cellular iron depletion caused by low TfR1 and high ferritin expression.