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Transferrin

Plasma glycoprotein that binds two atoms of ferric iron and delivers iron to cells via transferrin receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Transferrin maintains plasma iron in a redox-inert, non-toxic form. Cells expressing transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) internalize holo-transferrin into acidified endosomes where iron is released and reduced for transport into cytosol via DMT1. Transferrin saturation (TSAT, serum iron / TIBC) is a clinical marker: low TSAT signals iron deficiency, high TSAT signals overload.

How one textbook covers it

  • Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 10: Iron

    Transferrin maintains plasma iron in a redox-inert, non-toxic form. Cells expressing transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) internalize holo-transferrin into acidified endosomes where iron is released and reduced for transport into cytosol via DMT1. Transferrin saturation (TSAT, serum iron / TIBC) is a clinical marker: low TSAT signals iron deficiency, high TSAT signals overload.

Related terms

DMT1, Ferritin, Hepcidin