Vacuolar iron transporter involved in the transfer of iron ions from the cytosol to the vacuole for intracellular iron storage (PubMed:17082420, PubMed:26232490). Involved in regulation of cellular iron homeostasis (PubMed:17082420, PubMed:26232490). Vacuolar iron storage is required for seed embryo and seedling development (PubMed:17082420, PubMed:26232490) (Probable). Homodimer. The dimeric interaction is mediated by both the transmembrane domains (TMDs) and the cytoplasmic metal binding domain (MBD). Highly expressed in developing embryo and seed. Expressed in young seedlings, predominantly in the vasculature. The cytoplasmic metal binding domain (MBD) is located between transmembrane 2 (TM2) and transmembrane 3 (TM3). No visible phenotype under normal growth condition, but important reduced growth and leaves with severe chlorosis when grown on soil at pH 7.9 that causes limited iron availability. Over-expression of the Arabidopsis vacuolar iron transporter 1 (VIT1) in cassava plants (Manihot esculenta) increases accumulation of iron in cassava roots and stems (PubMed:26475197). A transgenic approach to increase vacuolar iron sequestration in cassava may represent a viable strategy to biofortify crops in micronutrients (PubMed:26475197). Can mediate sequestration of iron ions into vacuoles when expressed in the yeast ccc1 mutant (PubMed:17082420, PubMed:26232490). In seeds, iron is strongly localized to the provascular strands of the hypocotyl, radicle, and cotyledons, but completely absent from these cells in vit1-1 mutant (PubMed:17082420). In dry seeds, vit1-1 mutation provokes the redistribution of iron in cortex cells of the hypocotyls and in a single subepidermal cell layer in the cotyledons (PubMed:19726572). Belongs to the CCC1 family.