TFRC Protein, Human (HEK293)

TFRC protein facilitates cellular iron uptake through receptor-mediated endocytosis of ligand-occupied transferrin receptors into specialized endosomes, as documented in studies. This process involves endosomal acidification, leading to iron release, followed by recycling of the apotransferrin-receptor complex to the cell surface, accompanied by a return to neutral pH and the subsequent loss of apotransferrin affinity for its receptor. Crucial for erythrocyte and nervous system development, TFRC is a vital player in iron homeostasis. The hereditary hemochromatosis protein HFE competes with transferrin for binding at an overlapping C-terminal site. TFRC positively regulates T and B cell proliferation through iron uptake and acts as a lipid sensor, modulating mitochondrial fusion by regulating the JNK pathway. Depending on dietary stearate levels, TFRC either promotes JNK pathway activation and degradation of the mitofusin MFN2 when stearate is low or inhibits JNK pathway activation and MFN2 degradation when stearate is high. Furthermore, TFRC acts as a receptor for new-world arenaviruses, including Guanarito, Junin, and Machupo virus, during microbial infection.