What is the Role of Transferrin and Its Receptors?
Transferrin binds iron in the bloodstream and interacts with transferrin receptors on the cell surface, facilitating iron uptake. Once bound, the transferrin-receptor complex is internalized via endocytosis. The acidic environment of the endosome releases iron from transferrin, which is then transported into the cytoplasm by DMT1 (Divalent Metal Transporter 1).