Melanotransferrin

Melanotransferrin (MTF), also known as CD228, P97, MELTF and MFI2, is a cell-surface glycoprotein found on melanoma cells. The protein shares sequence similarity and iron-binding properties with members of the transferrin superfamily. Involved in iron cellular uptake. Seems to be internalized and then recycled back to the cell membrane. Binds a single atom of iron per subunit. Could also bind zinc. MTF expression is low in normal tissues but high in tumor and embryonic tissues. In melanoma MTF is associated with tumor metastasis and angiogenesis and upregulated in lung cancer tissue and cell lines. In the brain MTF is expressed in capillary endothelium but also in the reactive microglia associated with senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD).