Folate Receptor alpha
Folate Receptor alpha (FOLR1, also known as FRα or FOLR) is a high-affinity folate-binding protein that delivers 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and folate analogues into cells. It belongs to the folate receptor family and is required for normal embryonic development and cell proliferation. Browse Assay Genie's current range of Folate Receptor alpha research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
Folate Receptor alpha binds folate and reduced folic acid derivatives and mediates the delivery of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and folate analogues into the interior of cells. It has high affinity for folate and folic acid analogues at neutral pH. After receptor endocytosis, exposure to slightly acidic pH triggers a conformation change that strongly reduces its affinity for folates and releases them. The protein is required for normal embryonic development and normal cell proliferation.
The FOLR1 gene encodes a member of the folate receptor family, whose members bind folic acid and its reduced derivatives and transport 5-methyltetrahydrofolate into cells. The gene product is a secreted protein that either anchors to membranes through a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol linkage or exists in a soluble form. UniProt records its presence at the cell membrane, including apical and basolateral membranes, as well as in secreted form, cytoplasmic vesicles, clathrin-coated vesicles and endosomes. Two promoters, multiple transcription start sites and alternative splicing give rise to multiple transcript variants that encode the same protein. The mouse ortholog is Folr1.
The gene has previously been named folate receptor 1 (adult) and folate receptor 1, and it is also written FRα or FOLR. HGNC places it in the folate receptors gene group. Mutations in the Folate Receptor alpha gene have been associated with neurodegeneration due to cerebral folate transport deficiency, which links the protein to folate delivery in the nervous system. FOLR2 is another member of the folate receptor family.
Folate Receptor alpha mediates cellular uptake of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and folate analogues, making it a central protein for studying folate delivery into cells.
Endocytosis and acid-triggered folate release through endosomes and clathrin-coated vesicles make this receptor a useful model of pH-dependent ligand release.
Folate Receptor alpha is required for normal embryonic development and normal cell proliferation, supporting research into folate-dependent growth processes.
Mutations in FOLR1 are associated with neurodegeneration due to cerebral folate transport deficiency, so the protein is relevant to studies of folate handling in the brain.
Folate Receptor alpha binds folate and reduced folic acid derivatives with high affinity at neutral pH and delivers 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and folate analogues into cells. After endocytosis, slightly acidic pH lowers its affinity for folates and releases them. It is required for normal embryonic development and cell proliferation.
The protein is encoded by FOLR1 and is also called FRα or FOLR. Earlier names include folate receptor 1 (adult) and folate receptor 1. It is either anchored to membranes by a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol linkage or exists as a soluble secreted form. Multiple transcript variants encode the same protein.
Mutations in FOLR1 have been associated with neurodegeneration due to cerebral folate transport deficiency. A mouse ortholog, Folr1, is recorded. Because reactivity differs between products, check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other members of the folate receptor family with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P15328; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.