該基因編碼一種分子量約為76.5 kDa的糖蛋白。它被認為是由于一個古老的基因復制事件而產生的，該事件導致了同源的C和N端結構域的產生，每個結構域結合一個鐵離子。這種蛋白質的功能是將鐵從腸、網狀內皮系統和肝實質細胞運輸到體內所有增殖細胞。這種蛋白質也可以作為粒細胞/花粉結合蛋白（GPBP）的生理作用，涉及去除血清中的某些有機物質和變應原。
This gene encodes a glycoprotein with an approximate molecular weight of 76.5 kDa. It is thought to have been created as a result of an ancient gene duplication event that led to generation of homologous C and N-terminal domains each of which binds one ion of ferric iron. The function of this protein is to transport iron from the intestine, reticuloendothelial system, and liver parenchymal cells to all proliferating cells in the body. This protein may also have a physiologic role as granulocyte/pollen-binding protein (GPBP) involved in the removal of certain organic matter and allergens from serum.