Melanotransferrin

Melanotransferrin (also known as MTf, p97, or CD228) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MFI2 gene. It is a member of the transferrin family and is involved in iron metabolism and cell growth.

Structure

Melanotransferrin is a monomeric glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 97 kDa. It is composed of two lobes: the N-lobe and the C-lobe, each of which can bind one iron ion. The protein has a high affinity for iron, similar to other members of the transferrin family.

Function

Melanotransferrin is involved in iron transport across the cell membrane. It is also implicated in cell growth and differentiation, particularly in melanoma cells. The protein is found on the surface of melanoma cells and is believed to play a role in their proliferation and metastasis.

Clinical significance

Elevated levels of melanotransferrin have been found in the serum of patients with malignant melanoma, suggesting that it may serve as a potential biomarker for this disease. Furthermore, melanotransferrin has been proposed as a target for cancer therapy, as blocking its function could potentially inhibit the growth of melanoma cells.

See also

• Transferrin
• Melanoma
• Iron metabolism
• Cell growth