TFRC
GeneName
TFRC
Summary
TFRC, also known as TfR1, CD71, or TfR, is an 85 kDa transmembrane glycoprotein primarily expressed on the surface of various cell types, including erythroid progenitor cells, and plays a pivotal role in iron homeostasis. It is localised to the basolateral plasma membrane and is involved in the endocytosis of transferrin, the main iron transport protein in the bloodstream. TFRC is also implicated in various cellular processes, including receptor internalization and the regulation of iron ion transport, and has been identified as a receptor for certain viruses. Its presence in extracellular vesicles highlights its potential role in intercellular communication.
Importance
TFRC is relevant to: - Iron metabolism and related disorders, such as anaemia and hemochromatosis, through its role in iron uptake and homeostasis. - Cancer research, as it is often overexpressed in tumour cells, facilitating increased iron acquisition for rapid cell proliferation. - Neurobiology, given its involvement in iron transport across the blood-brain barrier, which is critical for neuronal function and development. - Immune responses, as it influences B cell and T cell proliferation, impacting adaptive immunity.
Top Products
For researchers investigating TFRC, we recommend two excellent primary antibodies that cater to various experimental needs. The first is the well-cited polyclonal antibody, Anti-Transferrin Receptor antibody (ab84036), which has garnered 244 citations, reflecting its reliability in Western blotting (WB). Additionally, we offer the recombinant antibody, Anti-Transferrin Receptor antibody [EPR20584] (ab214039), which is validated for multiple applications, including WB, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), and immunoprecipitation (IP). With 119 citations, this recombinant product ensures batch-to-batch consistency, making it an excellent choice for researchers seeking dependable results in their studies of the transferrin receptor. The Human Transferrin Receptor ELISA Kit (CD71) (ab272469) is a reliable option for researchers looking to measure TFRC levels in their samples.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The data indicates that TFRC is being studied in various contexts related to ferroptosis, iron overload, and cell proliferation across different species, including humans and rats. The use of Western blotting and immunocytochemistry highlights the importance of TFRC in understanding cellular responses to iron and its implications in diseases such as cancer and conditions involving iron dysregulation.
Abcam Product Citation Table
Function
Cellular uptake of iron occurs via receptor-mediated endocytosis of ligand-occupied transferrin receptor into specialized endosomes (PubMed:26214738). Endosomal acidification leads to iron release. The apotransferrin-receptor complex is then recycled to the cell surface with a return to neutral pH and the concomitant loss of affinity of apotransferrin for its receptor. Transferrin receptor is necessary for development of erythrocytes and the nervous system (By similarity). A second ligand, the hereditary hemochromatosis protein HFE, competes for binding with transferrin for an overlapping C-terminal binding site. Positively regulates T and B cell proliferation through iron uptake (PubMed:26642240). Acts as a lipid sensor that regulates mitochondrial fusion by regulating activation of the JNK pathway (PubMed:26214738). When dietary levels of stearate (C18:0) are low, promotes activation of the JNK pathway, resulting in HUWE1-mediated ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of the mitofusin MFN2 and inhibition of mitochondrial fusion (PubMed:26214738). When dietary levels of stearate (C18:0) are high, TFRC stearoylation inhibits activation of the JNK pathway and thus degradation of the mitofusin MFN2 (PubMed:26214738). Mediates uptake of NICOL1 into fibroblasts where it may regulate extracellular matrix production (By similarity).
(Microbial infection) Acts as a receptor for new-world arenaviruses: Guanarito, Junin and Machupo virus.
(Microbial infection) Acts as a host entry factor for rabies virus that hijacks the endocytosis of TFRC to enter cells.
(Microbial infection) Acts as a host entry factor for SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses that hijack the endocytosis of TFRC to enter cells.
(Microbial infection) Acts as a receptor for Plasmodium vivax.
Involvement in disease
Immunodeficiency 46
IMD46
An autosomal recessive primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by early-onset chronic diarrhea, recurrent infections, hypo- or agammaglobulinemia, normal lymphocyte counts, intermittent neutropenia, and intermittent thrombocytopenia.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Post-translational modifications
Stearoylated by ZDHHC6 which inhibits TFRC-mediated activation of the JNK pathway and promotes mitochondrial fragmentation (PubMed:26214738). Stearoylation does not affect iron uptake (PubMed:26214738).
N- and O-glycosylated, phosphorylated and palmitoylated. The serum form is only glycosylated.
Proteolytically cleaved on Arg-100 to produce the soluble serum form (sTfR).
Palmitoylated on both Cys-62 and Cys-67. Cys-62 seems to be the major site of palmitoylation.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the peptidase M28 family. M28B subfamily.
Cellular localization
- Cell membrane
- Single-pass type II membrane protein
- Melanosome
- Identified by mass spectrometry in melanosome fractions from stage I to stage IV.
- Transferrin receptor protein 1, serum form
- Secreted
Alternative names
CD71, Transferrin receptor protein 1, TR, TfR, TfR1, Trfr, T9, Transferrin receptor 1, p90, TFRC