transferrin transport

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The directed movement of transferrin into, out of or within a cell, or between cells, by means of some agent such as a transporter or pore. [GOC:mlg]

Transferrin transport is a complex process that involves the delivery of iron from the blood to cells, a vital step in maintaining iron homeostasis. This process begins when transferrin, a glycoprotein synthesized in the liver, binds to iron in the bloodstream. Transferrin-bound iron then interacts with transferrin receptors (TfRs) on the cell surface. TfRs are transmembrane proteins that facilitate the internalization of transferrin-iron complexes through endocytosis. Once inside the cell, the endocytic vesicle containing the transferrin-iron complex fuses with an endosome. The acidic environment within the endosome triggers the release of iron from transferrin. The iron is then transported to various cellular compartments, including mitochondria, where it is utilized in essential metabolic processes. Following iron release, the apotransferrin (iron-free transferrin) dissociates from the TfR and is recycled back to the cell surface for another round of iron uptake. This intricate process is tightly regulated to ensure that cells have an adequate supply of iron without exceeding the safe limits. Dysregulation of transferrin transport can lead to various disorders, including iron deficiency anemia and iron overload diseases.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)