Melanotransferrin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MFI2gene. MFI2 has also recently been designated CD228 (cluster of differentiation 228).
The protein encoded by this gene is a cell-surface glycoprotein found on melanoma cells. The protein shares sequence similarity and iron-binding properties with members of the transferrin superfamily. The importance of the iron binding function has not yet been identified. This gene resides in the same region of chromosome 3 as members of the transferrin superfamily. Alternative splicing results in two transcript variants.[5] It is part of neural crest tissue, often present in melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy.
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Le Beau MM, Diaz MO, Plowman GD, et al. (1986). "Chromosomal sublocalization of the human p97 melanoma antigen". Hum. Genet. 72 (4): 294–6. doi:10.1007/BF00290951. PMID3754536. S2CID38961040.
Rothenberger S, Food MR, Gabathuler R, et al. (1996). "Coincident expression and distribution of melanotransferrin and transferrin receptor in human brain capillary endothelium". Brain Res. 712 (1): 117–21. doi:10.1016/0006-8993(96)88505-2. PMID8705293. S2CID45470799.
Food MR, Sekyere EO, Richardson DR (2002). "The soluble form of the membrane-bound transferrin homologue, melanotransferrin, inefficiently donates iron to cells via nonspecific internalization and degradation of the protein". Eur. J. Biochem. 269 (18): 4435–45. doi:10.1046/j.1432-1033.2002.03140.x. PMID12230555.