“…Based on studies where cells were grown in serumfree, hence Tf-free, media and in cases of iron overload disorders, it has become evident that some cells are able to obtain Fe independently of Tf and the RME pathway. For example, a number of cell types have been shown to express transport systems capable of accumulating Fe from low molecular weight Fe chelates (Brissot et al, 1985;Basset et al, 1986;Wright et al, 1986;Egyed, 1988;Fuchs et al, 1988;Morgan, 1988;Sturrock et al, 1990;Kaplan et al, 1991;Olakanmi et al, 1994). Mutant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that were unable to release Fe from Tf (Klausner et al, 1984) as well as CHO cells without TR (McGraw et al, 1987;Chan et al, 1992) were both able to take up Fe from Fe salts and grow as well as normal CHO cells.…”