Apo-Transferrin

Transferrin is an important component in culture medium as it assists in the uptake and transport of iron from the culture medium to the cells. Iron allows cells to uptake oxygen from the environment, and stimulates growth-related enzyme activity. Holo-transferrin, the iron-saturated form of transferrin, becomes apo-transferrin, the iron deficient form of transferrin, after releasing iron. When culturing cells in media contain high level of iron, using apo-transferrin is preferred.