Natural Proteins
Product List
Bovine Serum.
HTF Bovine
Holo Transferrin Bovine
Transferrin Human
Transferrin Human Recombinant
The Recombinant Human Transferrin is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Introduction
Transferrin is a glycoprotein found in vertebrates that binds and mediates the transport of iron (Fe) through blood plasma . It is produced in the liver and contains binding sites for two Fe³⁺ ions . Human transferrin is encoded by the TF gene and produced as a 76 kDa glycoprotein . Transferrins are classified based on their ability to bind iron and other metal ions .
Key Biological Properties: Transferrin has a molecular weight of around 80 kDa and contains two specific high-affinity Fe (III) binding sites . The affinity of transferrin for Fe (III) is extremely high but decreases progressively with decreasing pH below neutrality .
Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: Transferrin is produced primarily in the liver but is also found in various bodily fluids of vertebrates . It is present in the blood plasma and other extracellular fluids . Some invertebrates have proteins that act like transferrin found in the hemolymph .
Primary Biological Functions: The main role of transferrin is to deliver iron from absorption centers in the duodenum and white blood cell macrophages to all tissues . It plays a key role in areas where erythropoiesis and active cell division occur .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: Transferrin limits the levels of free iron in the blood, which is crucial for preventing iron-triggered free radical reactions . This function is vital for protecting cells from oxidative damage and maintaining iron homeostasis .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Transferrin binds to iron and forms a complex with the transferrin receptor on the surface of cells . This complex is then transported into the cell via receptor-mediated endocytosis . The pH of the vesicle is reduced, causing transferrin to release its iron ions .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: Transferrin interacts with transferrin receptors (TfR) on cell surfaces . The receptor with its ligand-bound transferrin is transported through the endocytic cycle back to the cell surface, ready for another round of iron uptake .
Regulatory Mechanisms Controlling Expression and Activity: The expression of transferrin is tightly regulated by factors such as intracellular iron levels, cell proliferation, and erythropoiesis . Low iron concentrations promote increased levels of transferrin receptor to increase iron intake into the cell .
Transcriptional Regulation and Post-Translational Modifications: Transferrin receptor production in the cell is regulated according to iron levels by iron-responsive element-binding proteins, IRP1 and IRP2 . These proteins help maintain cellular iron homeostasis by controlling iron concentrations .
Biomedical Research: Transferrin is used in the preparation of media for the culture of mammalian cells . It is also a valuable vector for the delivery of nanoparticles to specific cells and across the blood-brain barrier .
Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutic Strategies: Transferrin has garnered significant interest in drug targeting and delivery systems due to its non-toxic, non-immunogenic, and biodegradable benefits . It is used in the development of transferrin-based therapeutics and diagnostic tools .
Role Throughout the Life Cycle: Transferrin plays a crucial role in iron metabolism throughout the life cycle . It is essential for iron transport and cellular uptake, which are vital processes from development to aging . Transferrin helps maintain iron homeostasis in the cells by controlling iron concentrations .
