General description

Transferrin is a monomeric glycoprotein found in plasma at an average concentration of 250 mg/100ml. The specific iron-binding protein in plasma, it has a role in the transportation and distribution of iron among the body organs, in iron metabolism and in prevention of iron loss via the kidney. Stored in bone marrow as TF-bound iron, it also possesses bacteriostatic and fungistatic activity. Clinically, decreases in transferrin are observed in congenital disorders, newborns, inflammatory diseases, hypo-proteinemias and nephritic syndrome; increases are found in pregnancy, iron-deficiency anemias and inoculation hepatitis. Transferrin is required by all types of cells in cultures for maximal growth. It is, therefore, an important factor used in defined culture media.

Physical form

Lyophilized from 20 mM Na phosphate, pH 7.4 and 150 mM NaCI.