Transferrin is a glycoprotein with an approximate molecular weight of 76.5kDa. Transferrin is also known as Serotransferrin, Beta-1 metal-binding globulin, TF, and is iron-binding blood plasma glycoproteins that control the level of free iron in biological fluids. Transferrins are iron binding transport proteins which bind Fe3+ ion in association with the binding of an anion, usually bicarbonate. Iron, insoluble as free Fe(3+) and toxic as free Fe(2+), is distributed through the body as Fe(3+) bound to transferrin (Tf) for delivery to cells by endocytosis of its complex with transferrin receptor (TfR).This transferrin binds only one Fe3+ ion per protein molecule.The function of Transferrin is to transport iron from the intestine, reticuloendothelial system, and liver parenchymal cells to all proliferating cells in the body.This protein may also have a physiologic role as granulocyte/pollen-binding protein (GPBP) involved in the removal of certain organic matter and allergens from serum.
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