Transferrin is a glycoprotein with homologous N-terminal and C-terminal iron-binding domains that binds up to two Fe(III)atoms for delivery to vertebrate cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis

CF dye technology is covered by pending U.S. and international patents.

After binding to its receptor on the cell surface, transferrin is rapidly internalized by invagination of clathrin-coated pits with formation of endocytic vesicles, the acidic environment favors dissociation of iron from the transferrin-receptor complex. Following the release of iron, the apotransferrin is recycled to the plasma membrane where it is released from its receptor to scavenge more iron. The human transferrin is labeled with our bright and photostable CF dyes that aids the investigation of endocytosis by microscopy.