HTF Bovine
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Description
Product Specs
It is often called a growth factor because, similar to other growth factors, cells preparing to divide make a large number of transferrin receptors. The binding of transferrin to these receptors is necessary for cells to begin and continue copying their DNA, a process essential for cell division. Besides its role in iron transport, transferrin also acts as a signaling molecule (cytokine) and might have other functions unrelated to its iron-carrying ability.
Viral inactivation is achieved through a pasteurization process (heating at 60°C for 10 hours), which has been proven effective against three different types of viruses, demonstrating a reduction of 8 to 14.5 logs of virus concentration.
The purification process has also been shown to eliminate significant additional amounts of virus.
It is frequently included as a nutrient in media used for producing recombinant proteins and biopharmaceuticals through fermentation.
Other common applications of Bovine Transferrin include determining molecular weight, purifying antibodies that target human transferrin, and facilitating the delivery of molecules like DNA into cells via a process called receptor-mediated transfection.
Product Science Overview
Transferrin is a large protein with a molecular weight of approximately 80 kDa. It consists of two lobes, each capable of binding one ferric ion (Fe³⁺). When transferrin is fully saturated with iron, it is referred to as holo transferrin. In its iron-free form, it is known as apo transferrin. The primary function of holo transferrin is to transport iron from the sites of absorption and storage to the sites of utilization, such as the bone marrow, where it is used for hemoglobin synthesis .
Iron is an essential element for many biological processes, including oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and electron transport. However, free iron can be toxic due to its ability to generate reactive oxygen species. Transferrin helps to mitigate this toxicity by tightly binding iron and regulating its availability in the bloodstream. This regulation is crucial for maintaining iron homeostasis and preventing conditions such as anemia or iron overload .
Holo transferrin bovine is widely used in scientific research and medical applications. Some of its notable uses include:
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Cell Culture: Holo transferrin is often added to cell culture media as a supplement to provide iron in a bioavailable form. This is particularly important for serum-free culture systems, where it ensures that cells receive the necessary iron for growth and proliferation .
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Cancer Research: Studies have shown that holo transferrin can be used in combination with other compounds, such as dihydroartemisinin, to induce tumor cell death. This is due to the elevated levels of intracellular ferrous iron that result from the treatment, which can be toxic to cancer cells .
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Protein Interaction Studies: Holo transferrin serves as a model system for understanding the kinetics and dynamics of protein-protein interactions. Its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier also makes it a potential candidate for drug delivery studies .
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Microbial Defense: Holo transferrin plays a role in the body’s defense against microbial infections by sequestering iron, which is a critical nutrient for many pathogens .
