Lactoferrin Neutrophil (LTF) Protein

This gene is a member of the transferrin family of genes and its protein product is found in the secondary granules of neutrophils. The protein is a major iron-binding protein in milk and body secretions with an antimicrobial activity, making it an important component of the non-specific immune system. The protein demonstrates a broad spectrum of properties, including regulation of iron homeostasis, host defense against a broad range of microbial infections, anti-inflammatory activity, regulation of cellular growth and differentiation and protection against cancer development and metastasis. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2010]

LTF: Transferrins are iron binding transport proteins which can bind two Fe(3+) ions in association with the binding of an anion, usually bicarbonate. Belongs to the transferrin family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative promoter.

Protein type: Secreted, signal peptide; EC 3.4.21.-; Secreted; Protease

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 3p21.31

Cellular Component: extracellular space; specific granule; cytoplasm; extracellular region; nucleus; secretory granule

Molecular Function: heparin binding; protein serine/threonine kinase activator activity; protein binding; DNA binding; ferric iron binding; iron ion binding; serine-type endopeptidase activity

Biological Process: interaction with host; negative regulation of lipopolysaccharide-mediated signaling pathway; ossification; positive regulation of I-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB cascade; transcription, DNA-dependent; positive regulation of toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway; antifungal humoral response; proteolysis; iron ion transport; humoral immune response; activation of NF-kappaB transcription factor; regulation of cytokine production; positive regulation of osteoblast differentiation; retinal homeostasis; negative regulation of viral genome replication; innate immune response in mucosa; response to host immune response; positive regulation of osteoblast proliferation; antibacterial humoral response; regulation of tumor necrosis factor production; negative regulation of viral reproduction; negative regulation of ATPase activity; iron assimilation by chelation and transport; negative regulation of apoptosis