Anti-Transferrin Receptor antibody [TFRC/1817]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

The transferrin receptor commonly referred to as TfR or CD71 is an integral membrane protein that facilitates the uptake of transferrin-bound iron into cells. This receptor has a molecular weight of around 95 kDa and often exists as a homodimer on the cell surface. It is widely expressed in many tissues especially in erythroid precursors and rapidly dividing cells. Alternate names for this receptor include TfR1 and TfR2 though they have distinct roles and distributions. Other transmembrane proteins like OX26 and MEM have been studied in relation to the transferrin receptor due to their involvement in drug delivery.

Biological function summary

TfR plays a critical role in iron homeostasis by mediating the internalization of transferrin and release of iron in the endosomes. It operates as part of the transferrin-transferrin receptor complex facilitating iron assimilation necessary for DNA synthesis and cell growth. Iron release involves acidifying endosomes allowing transferrin to bind with specific cellular receptors including alternate forms like beta 2 transferrin. The process subsequently contributes to erythropoiesis and various metabolic processes by regulating essential cellular iron levels.

Pathways

The transferrin receptor is central to iron metabolism and the receptor-mediated endocytosis pathway. It tightly interacts with transferrin and intracellular pathways process the iron released from transferrin within endosomes. The receptor's role in this pathway involves a dynamic with other proteins such as HFE and hepcidin. These interactions help control systemic iron levels linking closely to the maintenance of erythroid cell health and proliferation.

Associated diseases and disorders

Disruptions in transferrin receptor function correlate with anemia and neurodegenerative disorders. In anemia related to iron deficiency impaired TfR activity reduces iron uptake culminating in insufficient erythropoiesis. Altered receptor expression or function also connects to neurological diseases like Alzheimer's where iron dysregulation is a concern. Here the transferrin receptor interacts with proteins like Amyloid precursor protein contributing to disease pathology through improper metal homeostasis.