A conserved RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) motif in the transferrin receptor is required for binding to transferrin

Abstract

The transferrin receptor contains a highly conserved Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence in the C-terminal region where transferrin is thought to bind. RGD sequences are commonly involved in cell adhesion. This sequence is crucial for transferrin binding, suggesting possible evolutionary links between molecules mediating iron uptake and cell adhesion.