SLC11A2 and colorectal carcinoma: In CRC, HIF-2α—whose mRNA contains an iron-responsive element (IRE)—drives iron uptake programs (e.g., DMT1) and promotes tumorigenesis; STAT3 signaling interconnects with iron pathways and regulates hepcidin (HAMP) expression, while CRC cells frequently express hepcidin, fostering iron retention and an immunosuppressive milieu.