beta-1 transferrin

Function

• iron transport sialoglycoprotein that shuttles iron between liver & tissues, especially bone marrow

Structure

• monomer
• beta-1 or serum transferrin contains 4 sialic acid groups which undergo partial desialization in CSF secondary to neuraminidase activity, producing beta-2 or tau transferrin, a cathodally migrating form of transferrin seen on high resolution CSF protein electrophoresis

Pathology

• low levels occur, along with low levels of albumin, prealbumin, & beta-lipoprotein, in inflammation & malignancy

Laboratory

• serum protein electrophoresis:
  • beta-1 transferrin normally accounts for 60% of the beta-1 band on serum protein electrophoresis

More general terms

• serotransferrin