Folate receptor endocytosis and trafficking

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2004 Apr 29;56(8):1099-109. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2004.01.010.

Abstract

Folate absorption is primarily mediated by a membrane transporter with micro-molar affinities for folates. Paradoxically, folates are only present at low nanomolar concentrations in extracellular milieus; membrane folate receptors (FRs) with nanomolar affinities for folates are likely to substantially modulate folate availability for these transporters. Functional isoforms of FRs are anchored to the membrane by a glycolipid anchor, the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. In this chapter we discuss recent insights that have been obtained with regards to GPI-anchored protein trafficking in the context of folate transport via the GPI-anchored FR. Specifically, we focus on recent advances in elucidating the pathways and mechanisms of endocytic sorting of the GPI-anchored FR, and the connection with membrane rafts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Endocytosis / physiology*
  • Folate Receptors, GPI-Anchored
  • Folic Acid / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Protein Transport / physiology
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Folate Receptors, GPI-Anchored
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Folic Acid