Transferrin: The Iron Carrier

Transferrin, a glycoprotein synthesized by all vertebrates, acts as the vehicle for transporting iron and possibly other transition elements between different sites in the body. Transferrin has other biological roles, including a mitiotic signal and an antibacterial agent. The structure, function, evolution, regulation of synthesis, cellular uptake and recycling, and genetic variablity of human and other animal transferrins are discussed.