TF Specific Neutra™ Antibody Products
Product listTransferrin (TF) is a glycoprotein produced in the liver and found abundantly in blood plasma. It is characterized by its ability to bind and transport iron throughout the body, playing a crucial role in iron metabolism. TF combines two iron-binding sites, facilitating the transport of ferric ions and preventing their participation in harmful reactions. Occurring in various tissues, TF also serves as a growth factor for cells, contributing to their proliferation and differentiation. Additionally, TF plays a key role in regulating iron homeostasis and modulating immune responses, making it an essential participant in physiological processes and a potential target for therapeutic interventions.
Its Gene ID: 7018, UniProtKB ID: P02787, and OMIM ID: 190000.
TF Receptor
Transferrin receptors (TFRs) are transmembrane proteins that facilitate the binding and internalization of TF in cells. There are two major kinds of TFRs: TFR1 and TFR2. TFR1 is widely expressed in various cell types and is responsible for the majority of TF uptake. It binds to TF, forming a complex that is internalized via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Once inside the cell, TF is recycled back to the cell surface or directed to specific compartments for iron release. TFR2 is primarily expressed in hepatocytes and plays a crucial role in hepatic iron homeostasis. It has a lower affinity for TF compared to TFR1 but is crucial for the regulation of hepcidin, a hormone involved in systemic iron balance. The binding of TF to its receptors facilitates iron uptake by cells, ensuring a steady supply of iron for cellular processes such as metabolism, DNA synthesis, and erythropoiesis.
TF in Brain Cells
TF plays a vital role in brain cells by enabling iron transfer across the blood-brain barrier and within the brain. TF, primarily sourced from the systemic circulation, binds to TFRs on the surface of brain endothelial cells, allowing for the regulated uptake of iron into the brain. Once inside, TF delivers iron to neurons and glial cells, where it is essential for various neurological processes, including myelination, neurotransmitter synthesis, and energy metabolism. Research has shown that dysregulation of TF-mediated iron transport in the brain is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, highlighting the importance of TF in maintaining brain iron homeostasis. Additionally, studies have explored the potential of TF-based therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, aiming to modulate iron levels and mitigate neuronal damage. For example, using nanoparticles as drug carriers combined with TF can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, thereby achieving effective treatment of neurological diseases.
Fig.1 The brain iron homeostasis.1
Antibodies Targeting TF
Antibodies targeting TF have been developed for their potential applications in diverse fields. These antibodies can specifically bind to TF or its receptors, inhibiting TF-mediated iron uptake. Thus, they can potentially be used as targeted therapeutics for TF-overexpressing cancers, aiming to disrupt iron metabolism and inhibit tumor growth. In preclinical models, monoclonal antibodies that selectively target TF demonstrate anti-tumor effects by hindering iron uptake and impeding the proliferation of cancer cells reliant on elevated iron levels. Moreover, in neurological disorders, such antibodies may modulate iron transport across the blood-brain barrier, offering promise for conditions influenced by aberrant brain iron metabolism. Additionally, TF antibodies may have diagnostic applications, enabling the detection of TF expression patterns as indicators of abnormal iron metabolism.
Fig.2 TF as a protein-based delivery system for oncological therapeutics and imaging agents.2
Creative Biolabs offers almost thirty high-quality anti-TF antibody products that could be used in eleven kinds of applications to assist you in effectively completing your research projects.
REFERENCES
- Batista-Nascimento, Liliana, et al. "Iron and neurodegeneration: from cellular homeostasis to disease." Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity 2012 (2012). Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 3.0, without modification.
- Li, Chang, Liya Zhou, and Xunzhe Yin. "Pathophysiological aspects of transferrin-A potential nano-based drug delivery signaling molecule in therapeutic target for varied diseases." Frontiers in Pharmacology 15 (2024): 1342181. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
