Recombinant Rat Transferrin receptor protein 1 (Tfrc), partial

Function

Cellular uptake of iron occurs via receptor-mediated endocytosis of ligand-occupied transferrin receptor into specialized endosomes (By similarity). Endosomal acidification leads to iron release. The apotransferrin-receptor complex is then recycled to the cell surface with a return to neutral pH and the concomitant loss of affinity of apotransferrin for its receptor. Transferrin receptor is necessary for development of erythrocytes and the nervous system (By similarity). Positively regulates T and B cell proliferation through iron uptake (By similarity). Acts as a lipid sensor that regulates mitochondrial fusion by regulating activation of the JNK pathway (By similarity). When dietary levels of stearate (C18:0) are low, promotes activation of the JNK pathway, resulting in HUWE1-mediated ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of the mitofusin MFN2 and inhibition of mitochondrial fusion (By similarity). When dietary levels of stearate (C18:0) are high, TFRC stearoylation inhibits activation of the JNK pathway and thus degradation of the mitofusin MFN2 (By similarity). Mediates uptake of NICOL1 into fibroblasts where it may regulate extracellular matrix production (By similarity)

Subcellular Location

Cell membrane (Single-pass type II membrane protein); Melanosome

Tissue Specificity

In testis, expressed in Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells and in germinal cells. Highest levels in Sertoli cells

Subunit

Homodimer; disulfide-linked. Binds one transferrin molecule per subunit. Interacts with SH3BP4 (By similarity). Interacts with STEAP3; facilitates TFRC endocytosis in erythroid precursor cells (By similarity). Interacts with SNX32; the interaction is involved in intracellular trafficking of the receptor (By similarity)

• Gibbs R.A. et al. Genome sequence of the Brown Norway rat yields insights into mammalian evolution. — Nature (2004)
• Mural R.J. et al. PubMed: CI-3UHEM9NTS9IM9 (JUL-)
• Roberts K.P. et al. Characterization of rat transferrin receptor cDNA: the regulation of transferrin receptor mRNA in testes and in Sertoli cells in culture. — Mol. Endocrinol. (1990)