Transferrin

Definition

Transferrin is a glycoprotein that binds and transports iron in the blood. It plays a crucial role in limiting the availability of free iron to pathogens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transferrin sequesters free iron, making it unavailable to bacteria and other pathogens, thereby inhibiting their growth.
2. It is part of the body's innate nonspecific host defenses and helps prevent infections.
3. Transferrin levels can increase during infections as part of the acute-phase response.
4. The protein has specific high-affinity binding sites for iron, ensuring efficient transport and regulation.
5. Transferrin receptors on cell surfaces facilitate the uptake of iron-bound transferrin into cells.

Review Questions

• What role does transferrin play in inhibiting bacterial growth?
• How does transferrin contribute to the body's innate nonspecific host defenses?
• What happens to transferrin levels during an infection?

Related terms

Lactoferrin:

A glycoprotein that also binds iron but is found primarily in milk and mucosal secretions.

Ferritin: A protein complex that stores iron intracellularly, releasing it in a controlled manner.

Acute-phase proteins: Proteins whose plasma concentrations increase or decrease significantly in response to inflammation.