NCOA4 and anemia (phenotype): A et al. [42] proved that the decline of iron release by macrophages was the principal driving factor of anemia in NCOA4−/− animals, especially those manifesting iron deficiencies; however, whether this phenomenon is caused by an inherent defect of erythrocytes or iron retention due to ferritin degradation dysfunction caused by inactivation of NCOA4 remains to be further studied.