This gene is a member of the transferrin receptor-like family and encodes a single-pass type II membrane protein with a protease associated (PA) domain, an M28 peptidase domain and a transferrin receptor-like dimerization domain. This protein mediates cellular uptake of transferrin-bound iron and mutations in this gene have been associated with hereditary hemochromatosis type III. Alternatively spliced variants which encode different protein isoforms have been described, however, not all variants have been fully characterized. Function: Mediates cellular uptake of transferrin-bound iron in a non-iron dependent manner. May be involved in iron metabolism, hepatocyte function and erythrocyte differentiation. Cellular Location: Cell membrane, Single-pass type II membrane protein. Tissue Location: Predominantly expressed in liver. While the alpha form is also expressed in spleen, lung, muscle, prostate and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, the beta form is expressed in all tissues tested, albeit weakly.Synonyms: Transferrin receptor protein 2