Summarise the role of the transferrin receptor and its importance in health and disease.

The transferrin receptor (TfR) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed on multiple cell types, apart from highly differentiated cells. Two forms of the receptor have been characterised to date; TfR-1 and TfR-2, TfR-1 being the main receptor for cellular uptake of transferrin-bound iron molecules. The process by which this happens is that initially TfR-1 recognises and binds to transferrin, a plasma glycoprotein, which in turns binds circulating iron molecules with a high affinity. The transferrin-iron complexes bound to TfR-1 are then internalised via receptor-mediated endocytosis into the cell. pH changes within the cell allow for the release of the iron, which undergoes further processing and finally is stored either as haemoglobin or ferritin. The TfRs are always recycles back to the plasma membrane for continuous use.

The TfR is important for maintaining iron homeostasis within the body, and abnormal serum levels of these receptor are used as an indicator for iron deficiencies, such as anaemia.

AE
Answered by Antonia E. Human Biology tutor

2736 Views

See similar Human Biology A Level tutors

Related Human Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe three ways of synthesising DNA fragments and how they are amplified:


Describe the initiation and conduction of electrical signals through the heart.


Describe the effect of calcium ions on tropomyosin and actin in skeletal muscle.


Explain how the HPV vaccine produces long-term immunity in individuals.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences