The Yellow Stripe-Like (YSL) family of proteins are transporters of metal-phytosiderophore and metal-nicotianamine complexes. Information concerning their physiological role(s) is critical for understanding metal homeostasis on the whole-plant level. By comparative genomics analysis of the YSL family from Brachypodium distachyon, maize and rice, Yordem et al. establish the existence of a highly conserved clade within the YSL family that is unique to grasses. The expression pattern of many of the brachypodium YSL genes is regulated by the iron status of the plant, thus confirming their probable roles in iron homeostasis mechanisms.